Category: FBC

Sunday

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

but to save the world through Him.”

~John 3:16-17 NIV~

VBS registration this morning at FBC, Kentwood and in the morning before VBS.

Please continue to pray for my mother as she recovers from her last fall. The bruising and swelling continue in her face. Thankfully, much of the pain is now gone.

Pray for Jennie’s family today. They will be moving to their capital city tomorrow. Since there is a seven hour time difference, their move will begin while most of us are sleeping tonight. Pray for things to go smoothly and for the new apartment to work well for them.

Two people were checked out for health concerns in the last few days. Both Melissa Simpson and Dr. Earl Council got good reports. God was faithful and good to them!

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

Saturday, June 6, 2009 12:09 PM, EDT

I have tried all morning to come up with a catchy word for todays post. I can’t. I just can’t. I am at a hard point in this journey. There are many good things that have come out of this tragic sureal event that none of us wanted to be smack in the middle of, especially not mom and dad. I think of the time jase and I are getting to spend with mom and dad, the overwhelmin

g blessing of the church being the church and loving on us and praying for us. God recieving glory as he is near to us and we are near to Him walking this out allowing people to see this living relationship walked out in front of them. It is all good. But I am tired. I did not expect nor plan this into my life and I am ready for this to stop. To wake up, I think we all are. We want to spend time with each other. We want to share in love with friends and family. We want the church to be the church breath by breath, that is all of our passion. We want God to recieve glory through our lives as we walk with Emmanuel. I hear the spirit whisper I have overcome, peace, rest in me. I know it is all good because He is good. My boys verse this week is actually my mother’s verse for me. God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity but a spirit of power, love, and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 We will walk through this and be loved and give love and He will recieve Glory from it. We must be resolutely focused, surrendered daily, and endure. That is where we are called, no matter the circumstance. That is what Jesus did as he resolutely walked with God to the cross and endured for us. I thank him that he holds us.

I have enjoyed being with my mom’s sister, my aunt Kete. She is giving my mom a hand and foot massage and doing her nails. She is so much like mom it was fun to be with her. She will watch over her even better than J and me. She is a nurse, once a nurse always a nurse.

PRAY!! Pray for us. Pray for dad. He is doing well: working, walking, and healing. Please continue to pray for his strength, resolve, and peace that passes understanding and joy that is renewed daily. Pray his bones will heal and his pain will be tolerable. Pray for his mind and the worries of what bills will be left at the end. Pray for God’s favor with the insurance companies. (God is the only one that could control the insurance companies but that is another topic for another time). Pray for him wisdom to know what to do next as we walk through these uncharted waters. Pray for him the drive and discipline to do rehab with much vigor. Pray that he will grow stronger from his effort and be encouraged to do more and endure.

Pray especially mom. I saw her sacral decub today. It is healing some, it is about the diameter of a half dollar and about an inch deep. The one on her head is virtually healed. Her lungs still have a nosocomial infection of pseudomonas and she has yeast in her trachea. She had a rash that is now clear but they still have her on antibiotics till june 23 for her bone infection. Her blood cultures remain clear thankfully. She is talking a little stronger, in a bass tone. She is swallowing thick things. She stood with lots of help this week. The neurosurgeon’s came by yesterday and will continue to follow her. They are waiting for the infection to clear before replacing skull. She is resting today, no therapy. Pray for her vocal cords to heal and work. Pray for her swallowing to work so she will not aspirate her food and continue to keep pneumonia. Pray for her to move and walk and talk. Pray for her infection to heal. Pray for her spirit (I am not the one in the bed that was hit by a car I remind myself often) to be resolute to drive herself to wellness as the Holy spirit comforts her and brings her peace and joy. Jesus make her well and whole physically. I thank Him for making all of us whole spiritually. Hold us all Jesus, amen.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
TOP TEN SIGNS YOU’RE GROWING MORE “MATURE”
10. Your teeth spend the night in a jar.
9. You have an executive “lift” chair.
8. It takes you longer to go to sleep than it did to get tired.
7. You and the pharmacist are on a first-name basis.
6. It takes you twice as long to look half as nice.
5. The pressing question of your life is, “Where did I park the car?”
4. You get winded playing Bible Trivia.
3. You know all of the answers, but nobody asks you the questions.
2. You walk with your head held high…to see through your bifocals.
1. Shuffleboard doesn’t sound too bad.
“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
if it is found in the way of righteousness.”
Proverbs 16:31
Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“Call to Me, and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know.”

~Jeremiah 33:3~


VBS begins Monday at FBC, Kentwood. Children who are four through those who just completed sixth grade are invited to attend. The time will be from 8:30-11:30 each morning. VBS shirts and music CDs ate available in the church office.

Sunday night there will be a singing at FBC, Kentwood. It will be outside on the street at 6 P.M.

Don Denton

Well we made it in finally about 8pm this eveing. It was a very long day. The doctors said by noon we would be leaving the hospital. Well by 3pm we left today.

We are so glad to be home. And John and Mary Ann drove up in our driveway as we were driving up this evening. They helped me unpack the car, which I am so grateful for.

I am so grateful to all of you who just continue to reach out to us. And again, Frank and Anne for taking us in one more time. You saved us again from so much that comes with being gone from home. God bless you in abundance for pouring yourselves out again to us. We are so grateful.

I am so very tired again. It has been a long 8 days. I too am thanking God for Don doing better. He longs to be here for good and to get better more than you can know.

And Joshua ran non stop once we got out of the car. He was celebrating being home again, seeing his toys and his bedroom. His buddy James came for a sleepover tonight. I could not say no. He has been such a trooper again this trip.

On the way out of the hospital today, Joshua road on the wheelchair wheeling Don out. He just needs to be near his daddy again.

It was a rough trip home for Don. But I know he will improve even more now that we are home.

Pray for us. I never thought we would be more than 8 months into this illness and I am having to ask for help again. I feel that this is all that I do these days is ask for help. You all have done so much for us. I don’t mean to be a broken record, but I need help with so much. I am so behind on so many things. I am needing some help with childcare and I am needing some help with the house.

Our fence is down in our backyard. I have someone who has offered to help with it. If some other men could help I would so appreciate it. I could organize a date if anyone could help with that.

Thank you again
Diane

Carl Buster Brown, Jr.
(August 10, 1926 – June 5, 2009)

Carl Buster Brown, Jr.

U.S. Veteran Died at 1:20 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2009 at Golden Age Nursing Home in Denham Springs, LA. He was a native of Hammond, LA and a resident of Denham Springs, LA. Age 82 years. He is a retired electrician with IBEW and a U. S. Army Veteran of WWII. Graveside Services will be held at Hillsdale Cemetery, Hillsdale, LA at 2 p.m. on Monday. Survived by wife, Lula W.Brown, Denham Springs, and his loving family. Preceded in death by son, Tim Brown, mother, Ollie Johnson Brown, father, William Carl Brown, and sister, Bonnie Ogden. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Press

June 5, 2009

TENNESSEE–Ministry brings special needs families ‘out of the woodwork.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30628

TENNESSEE–Draper admitted to hospital ICU. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30638

LOUISIANA–Special needs child points to God. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30629

OKLAHOMA–Best friends: The love of Jesus in a child’s eyes. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30630

TEXAS–WNBA rookie looks to ‘be a light’ for Christ. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30631

WASHINGTON–Senate panel OKs Hamilton on party-line vote. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30632

CALIFORNIA–Apology issued for Bible study threat. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30633

TENNESSEE–CULTURE DIGEST: Internet gambling ban could be overturned. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30634

CALIFORNIA–Planned Parenthood asks Calif. funds be restored. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30635

THE NETHERLANDS–Dutch euthanasia requests increase. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30636

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): Penumbras and emanations. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30637

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=6686&LanguageID=1709


Have a great day as you prepare for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“I love the Lord because He hears my voice

and my prayer for mercy.

Because He bends down to listen,

I will pray as long as I have breath!”

~Psalm 116:1-2 NLT~


Grady Brecheen is doing very well following his surgery. Pray for him this week as he learns about additional treatments.




Don Denton

Today was again one of the hardest days yet. Our neurosurgeon came in and told us that there was nothing more they could do for Don here at Barnes.

We
have asked for a Neurologist consult for Monday. We are at a loss as
to what to think. I don’t understand this. We will continue to look
for answers, where ever that may be. We will discuss this with
neurologist on Monday.

Don is still stable, he is cognitive.
He is weaker and still not able to eat. His headaches only come at
night now. The lumbar puncture seems to have helped. His opening pressures on the brain were normal as well. There is some enchancement of the brain as well.

Two of my friends sent emails to me and Psalm 18 and 2 Corinth. is exactly how we feel about now.

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure…..but this happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.” 2 Corinth 1:8-9

4 The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

5 The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.

6 In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.

19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Please pray that God will pull us up out of the waters. We are weak and very, very weary. Please pray for a miracle.

Diane




Jimmy and Retia Dukes

Consider It pure joy!

My
boys don’t always want to go to school, so sometimes we sing this song
on the way to school. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say
rejoice. Joy is a choice that is made out of a peaceful, thankful,
content spirit. This only comes in relationship to God. My dad
this morning after we ate a tremendous breakfast at Slim Goodies, did
an interview for a documentary. The North American Mission Board is
making a film on Angola. 14 years ago my dad, under the care of Dr.
Leavell and with the blessing of Warden Cain, started some seminary
work at Angola, the La state prison. This unprecedented work has
made a huge difference in the lives of those at the prison and the
faculty of our seminary who have taught them. They have even sent some
prisoners to other prisons in the US to be missionaries to those
prisons. The film will be available on dvd in the near future. We
then went to Starbucks so he could work on his sermon tomorrow. Yep,
he is bringing the word tomorrow at Gentilly Baptist Church. Thanks
Dr. Taylor for allowing him some of his favorite kind of rehab. My dad
has always told me Listen to God and Do what he says. He has this
flashing on his computer. This is how he lives and he was called to
communicate the word and loves doing it.

He is doing well but
very tired today. He had a very busy week and a long one. He took a
nap today for the first time in a few weeks. He deserved it he is
working hard to continue to get better.

Mom was tired today
also. I helped her practice her pucker, opening her mouth, and
sticking out her tongue, she, with a little help, moved legs and arms
and mouthed much to me and dad today. She also can communicate now to
tell us what hurts her and she stated her right swollen arm and hand
hurt her. This is the one her line is in to get her iv antibiotics.
An ultrasound was done this evening to make sure no clot was there and
we were told the radiologist did not call to say there was a clot.
Which if there was he should have called. She is continuing to
progress just like dad. Keep praying!

Dad told the interviewers
today about how the prisoners were actually in a way, more free than
some of us. They have found life change and a peace and joy even
behind bars, and in spite of their circumstances. I think this
speaks to dad right now as he an mom are trapped in a time of healing.
I pray they will have the peace and joy that comes in Christ as he
continues to improve.

Remember to pray for mom: for her
infection in decubitus and bone and lungs; for her rehab that she will
move speak and swallow better and better; for her transfer back to birc
in orlando. Pray for dad: that he will patiently continue to work hard
at rehab; that he will have wisdom as he makes decisions about mom and
as he encourages her as she makes progress. Pray for him tomorrow as
he preaches that God may speak to us as He speaks through him. I know
jason and I repeat this over and over but thanks to all of you. Please
don’t forget to remember the Krech, Rhodes, and Nanney families. Pray
for peace and strength.

Oh yeah, I did not win the national
spelling bee, but I could spell Laodicea, well really I could not. I
spelled it wrong but my dad corrected me. A blue heeler is a great
dog. A floater is a large car of buick or osmobile make that is long
like a ship. 80’s slang, so sorry for those of you who aren’t down
with that. Rejoice always and again I say rejoice.


Mrs. Mary Catherine Dees Conerly

(August 7, 1918 – May 28, 2009)

Mrs. Mary Catherine Dees Conerly

Mrs. Mary Catherine Dees Conerly went home to her Saviour May 28, 2009, at the age of 90.

She is survived by two daughters and their families: daughter Rae and
husband Earl Murphy, son Patrick and his sons, Will, Coner and Cullen,
and son Stuart and Jenny (Sanders) and their sons Braydon and Blake;
daughter Judy and son Rayford; five nieces and nephews, and numerous
great nieces and nephews and their families.

She is preceded in death by husband Rayford E. Conerly, parents Elzy
Burke and Margaret Antoinette Brinkley Dees, two brothers: Wallace Dees
and Burke Dees, and three sisters: Sarah Elizabeth Dees, Anna Lecarne
Dees, and Margaret Dees Ducote.

Catherine graduated from Amite High in 1935, third in her class. At 16
years old she was hired by Attorney Barbee Ponder as a secretary. A
year later she enrolled in the University of Southwestern Louisiana and
attended for 2 years. She returned to Amite and was hired by Mr. Norman
Vernon, the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court, as a secretary,
eventually becoming Chief Deputy for Clerk of Court, Mr. Jimmie Stire.
At the same time she also became the court reporter of record for
Tangipahoa Parish until she resigned in 1965. She became the organist
for the First Baptist Church of Amite in 1939 and played until 1965. In
the 1940s she became court reporter for Louisiana State Attorney
General, Mr. Bolivar Kemp, commuting to Baton Rouge from Amite often
several times a week while still employed by the Tangipahoa Parish
Clerk of Court and parish court. In the 1950s she became the court
reporter for District Judge Horace B. Reid, and Court of Appeals Judge
Robert Ellis. In 1962 she successfully ran Congressman Jimmie
Morrison’s campaign for re-election. In 1965, after the death of
Rayford, she and her daughters relocated to Lafayette, LA, and with her
niece, Carolyn Ducote Walker, established a court reporting business.
In 1980 she established a business as a landman and lease broker
working around the state for numerous oil companies. In 1984 she
returned to Amite, became active in the First Baptist Church Bell
Choir, The Daughters of the American Revolution, The United Daughters
of the Confederacy, and ended a fabulous work career at the Tangipahoa
Parish Library among the books she loved so well.

Services will be Monday, June 1, 2009, at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral
Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be Monday, June 1, 2009 from
9:00 a.m until 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Amite Cemetery.

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




It’s almost time for VBS! Registration for VBS at FBC, Kentwood will begin this morning. You can also purchase your VBS t-shirt for $6.00 and your VBS music cd for $3.00 in the office.



FBC, Kentwood will celebrate some family and church fellowship time at the ball park beginning at 5 P.M. Everyone is invited to attend.



Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Lord, when doubts fill my mind,

when my heart is in turmoil,

quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer”

~Psalm 94:19 LB~


Vacation Bible School will be from 8:30-11:30 June 8-12 at First Baptist Church, Kentwood. Pray now for the children who will attend. Share the time and dates with others who might be interested in attending.


KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray


Prayer requests

“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

Eraser of sin
One day, a man called Mr. B got very sick. He is one of the Moko* (MOH-koh) people of the Pacific Rim. When a Christian worker learned that Mr. B was sick, he went to visit him. The family was friendly and invited the worker into their home, but they were not very interested in hearing about Jesus.

The worker shared stories from the Bible when Jesus healed the sick. Then he encouraged Mr. B to “Call out to Jesus for healing.” Mr. B continued to resist, but he didn’t get better either. Finally one night, Mr. B asked God to help him in Jesus’ name. The next day, Mr. B was sitting up, eating, and feeling a lot better. Mr. B told the worker, “A doctor visited me last night—it was Jesus.”

Mr. B is now reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and telling his friends and family the stories. Mr. B calls Jesus the “eraser of sin.”

It isn’t acceptable to be a Christian on Moko Island, and there are no known Moko believers. Mr. B and his family are learning a lot about Jesus but haven’t decided to accept Him as Savior—YET! Please pray for them to let Jesus be their healer, eraser of sin, and Savior. Pray that they will be some of the very first Moko believers.

*people group name changed


MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray for Papa, Gramma, and my cousins. God help them not to be sad while we live in Central Asia. JACK, age 6 (Central Asia)

My culture is normal like a typical Americans culture. Please pray for the youth of South Africa. SARAH BETH, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My best friend from school is hindu please pray for her to believe in God so she can get saved.

Every Sunday we go out to a Zulu Baptist church. The roads are very dangerous and we have had several hi-jackings targeted on us. Where we live is very dangerous. Please pray for our safety when we go out to town and go to tell the Zulu people about God. Please pray for the Zulu people to come to Christ. MARIAH, age 14 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My prayer is for people who don’t know Jesus to know Him. Help us to be safe traveling. Amen. HP, age 10 (East Asia)

Please pray for me and my friend. I don’t really have any Christian friends. KATIE, age 13 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

I have two best friends in my preschool class. Three times a week, I ride on my mommy’s bike to go to school. My two best friends sometimes come with their moms to visit us or we play at a playground together. My mom talks to their moms and we all eat yummy treats. Now, one of my best friends is 4. He is moving to another class. I will miss him very much. Pray we can still play together and that I can tell him that Jesus loves him too. Pray that I can continue to make good friends in my second language. Jesse, age 3 (Western Europe)

Catherine D. Conerly
(August 7, 1918 – May 28, 2009)

Mrs. Catherine D. Conerly was born August 7, 1918 and passed away at 9:15 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the St. Helena Parish Nursing Home, Greensburg.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

Baptist Press

May 28, 2009

GEORGIA–Ga. to become 1st state with embryo adoption law. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30568

OKLAHOMA–Sex-selection, cloning bans enacted in Oklahoma. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30569

WASHINGTON–Assisted suicide claims 1st victim in Washington. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30570

ILLINOIS–‘Inland hurricane’ gets D.R. from 10 states. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30571

TENNESSEE–SBC seminaries send forth graduates. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30572

MISSOURI–Family of 4 graduates together. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30573

MISSISSIPPI–19 inmates earn degrees at Parchman. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30574

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Richard Land): Justice Sotomayor: more for some, less for others? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30575

VIRGINIA–WORLDVIEW (Erich Bridges): A world without newspapers? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30576

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
A SAN DIEGO minister and his wife claim they were interrogated by a county official and warned they will face escalating fines if they continue to hold Bible studies in their home…
The couple, whose names are being withheld until a demand letter can be filed on their behalf, told their attorney a county government employee knocked on their door asking a litany of questions about their Tuesday night Bible studies, which are attended by approximately 15 people. “Do you have a regular weekly meeting in your home? Do you sing? Do you say ‘amen?” The minister’s wife answered yes. She says she was then told that she must stop holding “religious assemblies” until she and her husband obtain a Major Use Permit from the county, a permit that often involves traffic and environmental studies, compliance with parking and sidewalk regulations and costs that top tens of thousands of dollars. And if they fail to pay for the MUP, the county official warned the couple will be charged escalating fines beginning at $100, then $200, $500, $1000 “and then it will get ugly.”
Dean Broyles of the Western Center for Law & Policy which has been retained to represent the couple, said the county’s actions not only violates religious land-use laws but also assaults both the First Amendment’s freedom of assembly and freedom of religion. “The First Amendment, in part, reads, ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise therefore,'” Broyles said. “And that’s the key part: ‘prohibiting the free exercise.’ We believe this is a substantial government burden on the free exercise of religion.” He continued, “If one’s home is one’s castle, certainly you would think the free exercise of religion, of all places, could occur in the home.”
Broyles confirmed the county official followed through on his threat. He also said that the minister and his wife are continuing to hold Bible studies in their home.
“And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20


Make today special for someone! They will be blessed. You will be blessed even more!

Anna Lee

Sunday

As we think about the Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions, the mission trip for our church members to Canada, and the lost people in North America who need to be told about Jesus, I think this verse is very appropriate.

“Finally, brethren, pray for us,

that the word of the Lord may run swiftly

and be glorified,

just as it is with you.”

~2 Thessalonians 3:1~

Dukes

Blowin Kisses

Yesterday about lunch jason dad and I went to see mom. She was very bright and responsive. She moved all extremities some and her usual nodding her head and smiling. The speech therapist came in just after we arrived and she worked with mom some. Dr. Kelley (Ms) and Ms Vanee were with mom and she was actually already getting some speech therapy. Thanks Ms Rhonda you still have it and she has been practicing some this weekend. Thanks also while I am talking to you for thinking of my family’s food needs this weekend. A thanks to Ms Jane Hunter also. (PS Ms Hunter makes the best pork tenderloin and chicken and sausage gumbo on the planet). Anyway my taste buds digress. Ms Kelly taught me some things mom could practice on. The speech therapist had been with mom earlier that day for a swallowing study and she did ok with thick and solid not real well with liquids especially thin liquids. The therapist will feed her on monday. Yeah more progression. She has had a great weekend I asked her to pucker up and blow dad a kiss and she did. It was great she wouldnot do the triple kiss pucker but it will come. She is for sure positively progressing please keep PRAYING!! Erin and I went back last night to tuck her in and she was again smiles and brightness she enjoyed Erin’s chatter and we had a great visit. She got to see Joshua and James Christofer this am. We went early and she was very bright she responded to them and they were pretty unfazed by her condition. They just saw “Grandma”. They told her they loved her and she responded with a smile. We then took them to the zoo and then pop, Erin and I came back to see her this evening and she was again doing great but tired. Erin told her about dad walking over a half mile today in the student center after our trip to the zoo with the boys, and she rolled her eyes! She is in there people! Her personality is intact. Oh yeah we had voodoo barbaque for lunch. The brisket is great but the corn pudding is divine!! It is on St Charles and if you are here you have to try the corn pudding. Anyway, my taste buds again, Mom is progressing. The Infection Np today stated that her blood was clear but she has Pseudomonas in her lungs but it is sensitive to Levaquin which she has been on for a few weeks. She is running a low grade fever so he will check blood cultures. Please pray for her to have peace and hope and strength as God, the one true God, heals her body and mind and restores her to us. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Pray that they will continue to care for her as well as they have the last few days. Pray that we can move her as soon as possible to a better facility.

Dad is doing great he as I said before he walked over a half mile today and would have walked more but did not want to push it. This morning when I went to get him up and ready he had bathed, had breakfast and was dressed waiting on me. He had already done his home exercise program from therapy. He is doing well and will start rehab week after next. Please pray for his patience and peace for him as this painful process plays out, especially with mom. He has started to work and will teach an internet class if it fills in a few weeks. Jason and I have enjoyed this time with our father tremendously. He is so full of wisdom and generous grace.

Thank all of you for your kindness to us. Thanks to Sandi Byrd for keeping our boys this weekend twice so Erin could go with dad and me to see mom. Thanks for the random starbuck’s cards and other food cards. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers even people we have never met who stop us in the mall or pull over and get out of the car and introduce themselves to just say they are praying for mom an dad. The church being the church is how we were intended to live. I am challenged to slow down be controlled and be the church in every way I can. Thanks for the challenge and keep it up.



Dentons

Well as you can see I am up very late. Just a quick update. Joshua and I have been at the ER at Cox South from about 8pm this evening till 2am this morning when we all arrived back home.

Don has been more unstable with his walking since he got back from Barnes. And this afternoon Don fell and hit his head on the nightstand.

After talking with a Barnes doctor we took Don down to Cox South for CAT Scan. Don is OK.

We firmly believe that one of Don’s new meds is causing this kind of reaction. We will talk with his neurologist on Monday to see about getting off of this med or changing it.

So, all three of us are exhausted. I am going to bed.

Please pray for Don that we can get this resolved, which I believe we will be able to.

We were so hoping to be in church tomorrow for the first time in a long time. I have so needed to be there. We are going to miss being there again.

We are so thankful that the fall did not injure Don. And hopefully come Monday we will be able to do something about this medication.

I will post soon.
Diane



Baptist Press

May 22, 2009

IRAQ–Chaplain conveys hope in the face of tragedy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30545

MISSISSIPPI–Trustees affirm NAMB’s ‘crucial’ role in SBC. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30546

COLORADO–101 new missionaries appointed in Denver. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30547

TENNESSEE–Baptist Press, SBC media receive awards. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30548

TENNESSEE–Study called slanted regarding pro-homosexual mainline clergy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30549

TENNESSEE–MARRIAGE DIGEST: Same-sex laws jeopardize religious freedom, experts say; … http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30550

TEXAS–School district upholds Bible distribution. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30551

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Sara Horn): Remember the sacrifices you don’t always see. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30552

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): Signs of hope. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30553




LOVING SOMEONE YOU CAN’T STAND

Doctor: “I see you’re over a month late for your appointment. Don’t you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What’s your excuse?”

Patient: “I was just following your orders, Doc.”

Doctor: “Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order.”

Patient: “You told me to avoid people who irritate me.”

Unfortunately, we don’t always have the option of avoiding people who irritate, people who hurt us, people who offend us. In fact, sometimes those who irritate us the most are found right in our home (or in our church building). So how should we deal with them?

Milton Jones has written a wonderful book entitled “How to Love Someone You Can’t Stand” which I highly recommend (you can find it at Amazon.com). In this book, Jones lists six godly principles which are derived from Romans 12:

(1) Manage Your mouth — Bless and don’t curse (Rom. 12:14)

(2) Put yourself in the other person’s place and try to understand their feelings, thoughts and position (Rom. 12:15)

(3) Never, never, never take revenge (Rom. 12:17)

(4) Plan ahead to do something beautiful (Rom. 12:17)

(5) Don’t just win the war, win the peace (Rom. 12:18)

(6) Make room for God (Rom. 12:19)

The bottom line is that we do not overcome evil with evil by retaliating and seeking to “get even”. The only way to overcome evil is with good (Rom. 12:21). It is never easy to respond to those who do us wrong in a way that is godly, but it is only by following the example of Jesus Christ that we can truly have an influence on the world around us.

“But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” (I Peter 2:19-20)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Pray for holiday travelers and holiday activities.

Anna Lee

Friday

“Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

in everything give thanks;

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

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~

Grady Brecheen’s surgery went wll yesterday morning. He will be hospitalized for about a week before he is released to come home. Please keep him in your prayers.

Infant Mary-Margaret Hendry
(May 20, 2009 – May 20, 2009)

Infant Mary-Margaret Hendry

Infant Mary-Margaret Hendry was born May 20, 2009 and passed away on May 20, 2009 at 10:23 p.m., May 20, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.

She is survived by her parents, Travis L. & Hannah Lopinto Travis, Amite; a sister, Emily Hendry, Mt. Hermon; maternal grandparents, Frank & Mary Lopinto, Amite; paternal grandfather, Patrick Hendry, Chesbrough; maternal great-grandmothers, Carolyn Bel, Bolivar, MO & Josie DePhillips, Amite; numerous aunts, uncles, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by paternal grandmother, Margaret Welch Hendry.

Private funeral services will be held at a later date.

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

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

Donald Ray “Donnie” Fairburn
(August 10, 1958 – May 21, 2009)

Donald Ray “Donnie” Fairburn was born August 10, 1958 and passed away at 5:30 p.m., May 21, 2009 at his residence in Denham Springs. He was 50, a native of Covington and former resident of Amite. He is the son of Mrs. Evelyn Cox Crawford of Denham Springs the late Bobby Lee Fairburn, Sr.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, May 22, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 23, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services in the Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Walter Mixon officiating. Interment in the Allison Cemetery, Folsom, LA.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy-16W behind Grand Prix Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.

Joy Forbes Sanders
(June 18, 1925 – May 21, 2009)

Died at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at her residence in the East Fork Community, LA. She was a native of Kentwood, LA Age 83 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Shumock and Rev. Leon Dunn. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork Community, LA. She is survived by her 2 sons, Paul E. Sanders and wife, Ann, Hammond and Roger Dale Sanders, East Fork Community; 4 grandsons, Steve Sanders, Shannon Sanders, Ricky Sanders and Blane Sanders; 10 great-grandchildren, Dale, Danny, Kristopher, Seth, Jesse, Cole, Garrett, Breann, Brayden and Logan Sanders; 3 great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Blaise and Kirsdyn Sanders. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Mack Sanders; parents, Jessie and Nora Dykes Forbes; grandson, Nicholas Sanders; 3 sisters, Juanita Strickland, Vertie Tally and Nelvie Pritchard; brother, Hurlmon Forbes.

Don Denton

If you are not up for a long read, you may want to bypass this one:

I wanted to update you all. Don is getting stronger everyday. He started back with physical therapy. Our physical therapist is Dot H. at SBU. She is helping Don now since our insurance company is no longer paying for much needed physical therapy.

Our insurance company is changing as well and we will have to meet our “out of pocket” all over again this year. This means twice in one year. It is such a hard hit when there is a catastrophic event such as ours.

Now that this is out of the way. We are so glad to be home from the hospital again. Don is making strides. WE are hoping to see changes in the way of his dizziness; the medication he is on will have one more week before we can tell if there is a difference.

Joshua is readjusting to routine again as well. He seems to be doing well with this.

I can’t believe summer is almost here. This first five months of this year have been met with hospital stays each month. We are also praying that this was the last hospital stay for Don. He so wants that too.

Since late winter Don, Joshua and I have been dreaming about this summer and what we would do. We have hoped to go to Texas to see my sister in law Lynn and brother. She herself has battled four occurrences of cancer. She is a special aunt to Joshua. We have dreamed of taking a camping trip and hiking again. All of these are losses we have to work through. Hopes and dreams each of us live for as a family that come to a hault. And my dream of a big vegatable garden this year, which is theraputic for me. All of these dreams are places we are having to “let go”. I have a choice in what I am going to do with this. So a new way of looking at our life has come about and it is a good thing.

Now I find myself talking with Josh about ” our first lemonade stand” in our driveway this summer with Joshua. He is so excited. He can’t wait till he has his first lemonade stand. I just love it. I love the wonder in Joshua eyes and his “happy go lucky” skip he has when he walks. He is a delight to us. God is so good to us. And in the “big picture” this is what life is about. Life with each other and relationships. Not living on what it could have been, but what is right here and now.

And Don, he is an amazing person to watch. He continues to push through the challenges that face him each day. I am amazed at his character and his patience. I have never experienced someone in my life that has the determination to rise above this terrible disease as best as he can to “be present” with Joshua and myself.

As I have said many times, this very hard event in our life has brought the worst and the best out in me. It is a ever present reminder of how I have to “come to and end of myself” each day. Letting go of what was and learning to take on a new way of life for us has it’s challenges.

Loss and waiting are my two least favorite places to be in my life. All I can say is that God is full of grace and mercy. I don’t deserve God’s grace or mercy. Yet, I know it is there for me. I have been faced with more challenges and obstacles than I could have ever imagined.

But the one Constance is that we are a family and God IS with us. We have each other. Don is with us! And in that I give thanks to God! It could be so much worse.

I have to learn to quit complaining. Some days I just feel so sorry for myself. So pray for me in this way.

It is easy to fall into the pattern of “being a victim”. What a test for me. I hate tests! Don’t we all. I was rushing to get in my car this morning…as I am house watching a friends home, taking care of her garden, cat, fish and snail. And it came to me. I don’t like my life right now. And this small voice said….look at what you have! It is everything you ever wanted. It is so true. We have everything we could have ever imagined barring this illness and the unbelieveable medical bills. That part of it we could do without. Perspective helps me to see the big picture.

Well I have rambled on again. As you can see, when I don’t write for days, I then write a book. Sorry for the length of this one.

Thank you dear, dear precious ones in Christ. Thank you for your love and steadfast prayer for Don, Joshua and I. We are most grateful to you.

My email address has changed: dianed4@windstream.net

Bless you
Diane

Thanks to all who purchased tickets for the fish dinner. You’re helping a team go to Canada next month for a mission trip. They will be doing VBS, sports camp, revival, etc.

There is a bloood drive tomorrow at FBC. Call the church office today for more information.

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Pray for Grady Brecheen as he has surgery today at North Oaks.

Pray for Mrs. Parmys Stegall as she spend her weeks at rehab in Greensburh and her weekends at home.

Pray for Mrs. Estelle Raborn who is in North Oaks following a stent implant.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Kathryn Kuss and her family as adjustments are made.

Please continue to pray for the Harrells as they address continuing health issues.

Pray for Martha Traylor as she has nerve tests today in Hammond.

Pray for the Hatchels as they prepare to move from Brno to Prague on June 8th.

FBC, Kentwood will be serving fish dinners today as a fund raiser for a mission trip to Canada. You may pick up your dinners by the State Farm office on highway 51.

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into the world,

and we can take nothing out of it.”

~1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV~

Baptist Press
May 19, 2009

WASHINGTON–‘Call 2 Fall’ issued for July 5. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30520

OKLAHOMA–Okla., Minn. take stand against cloning. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30521

TENNESSEE–Unhealthy SBC needed ‘shock’ of GCR declaration, Hunt says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30522

GEORGIA–Church care plan for chaplains unveiled. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30523

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: Multi-site churches entail challenges, rewards. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30524

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (Stephen Douglas Wilson): Southern Baptists need methodological diversity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30525

Mrs. Iris Wood Conerly
(August 24, 1915 – September 19, 2009)

Mrs. Iris Wood Conerly was born August 24, 1915 and passed away at 6:35 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Mrs. Iris was 93, a native & resident of Amite her entire life. She was a member of the First Southern Methodist Church in Amite and also was retired from the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court Office after 35 years and 11 months service.

Mrs. Iris is survived by her son, Marc Conerly, and wife Nancy, of Amite.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55n & Hwy 16W behind Grand Prix Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.

KneEmail

Affluenza

greatphysiciana2.jpgTHE 1918 INFLUENZA epidemic was the most destructive in history…

It is estimated that more than 20 million people world-wide perished of the flu in a few months and more than 50 times as many were sick. In the US, 548,000 died. In India, 12,500,000 people or 4% of the entire population are said to have died.

Medical research and technology now routinely protects us against diseases that wiped out entire families, neighborhoods, and even cities. But another epidemic is taking a tremendous toll on our families. It is not influenza; it is affluenza.

Its symptoms include:
. A reaching for more and more, in spite of what we have.
. An insatiable drive to be successful.
. A chronic lack of contentment.
. A consistent choosing of career over family relationships.
. An overscheduled, overloaded life that leaves no room for significant time with spouse, children and true devotion to God. (Steve and Mary Farrar)

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Timothy 6:7

Posted by Mike Benson

Don’t forget the fish lunch cooked by Buie tomorrow at FBC, Kentwood. Call the church office for tickets. The cost is $7.00 with the profits going to support a mission trip to Canada this summer. Pray for those who will be ministering and those who will be ministered to.

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Monday

“All the ends of the world shall remember

and turn to the Lord,

and all the families of the nations

shall worship before You,

for the kingdom is the Lord’s,

and He rules over the nations.”

~Psalm 22:27-28~




Annie Armstrong trivia: What percent of the people in North America (USA & Canada) are Christians? You can find the answer below.


Martha Traylor asks for pray as she goes to North Oaks for a nerve test on Thursday.


Grady Brecheen will have surgery at North Oaks Thursday.


The share group will meet at the Alford’s cabin at 6:30 Thursday. Feel free to join us for food, fellowship, and a devotional.


There will be a blood drive at FBC, Kentwood Saturday. You can sign up by calling the church office at 229-8111.


You can also call that number to get tickets for the fish dinner Thursday. The money earned will be used to support a mission trip to Canada in late June.


Speaking of June, Vacation Bible School will begin June 8th. Children four years old are elegible to attend. Registration will begin soon at church.


Have a great week!

Anna Lee

Twenty-five percent of North Americans are Christians. Seventy-five percent are NOT Christians. That means two hundred fifty-one million people in North America are not saved. Tha’t why we need to suppor the 5,500 North American Mission Board missionaries!

Sunday

“Dear friends,

let us continue to love one another,

for love comes from God.

Anyone who loves

is born of God and knows God.”

~1 John 4:7 NLT~



Jimmy and Retia Dukes

Thats what friends are for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Don Denton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bless you!


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


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

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


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

Prayer concerns for IMB personnel in Romania

Dear Prayer Partners,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,

Melinda

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



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


KneEmail

Mike Benson

Encourage

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

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

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

“…Encourage one another daily….”

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

Have a great SONday!

Anna Lee