Category: FBC

Tuesday

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

The things we see now are here today,

gone tomorrow.

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

~2 Corinthians 4:18 MSG~

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


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



Don Denton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please pray:

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

Pray that he will be able to eat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bless you our family and friends.
Diane

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

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

Tuesday

“For the wages of sin is death,

but the free gift of God is eternal life

through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

~Romans 6:23 NLT~

The music provided by the Louisiana College Chorale was of exceptional quality. If you missed the performance last night, you missed something special.

Please pray for Larry Watts and his family. Larry is home at home.

Monday night (9:59 EDT) update on Don Denton

Don was able to go to church this Sunday and for us to attend as a family was a special event. We love our church family they have been there for us even when we have not been able to be there.

They are precious people of God and we are honored to be a part of this special gathering of christians. They have been “light” to us and have continued to walk with us, love us and support us in a way that is beyond what we could have imagined. We are so grateful!

After church Don was pretty tired and wore out, he came home and slept.

What is hard for people to see is that Don is dizzy all the time. I am amazed that this man can get up everyday with his dizziness, nausea and headaches and push through that to do life as best as he can.

He looks good and he is getting stronger and one would never no that he is so sick by just looking at him.

What I love to watch is that he continues to teach our son, Joshua about the unconditional love of God too.

I am humbled to watch this father-son relationship in such a way that models Christ. I am blessed to experience this. It can be tough for a man to be vulnerable with their son. Especially with our western culture mindset that men should not show emotion. When one is raised in such a way, it is hard to break that cycle.

I love that our pastor emulates that love toward his church. It is precious to hear our pastor tell us that he loves us. We are ministered deeply to. That is how God intended it to be.

When life takes away what one knows life as. It can change you and how you look at life. Children don’t understand that, they can’t.

We do our best to take each day and make the best of it, yet it is hard when the rubber meets the road to rise above that. We are human. Thank God he is faithful. Thank God we can admit our mistakes and He loves us in such an amazing way.

Don tapered down to 7.5mg. today. He has been more sick today and has needed to rest more. He did go to physical therapy and it took allot out of him.

Well, I still need to do dishes. We continue to pray that Don will make it just another 11 days till he is off of steroids.

WE will leave Thursday late afternoon to drive up to St. Louis. Don will have testing all day on Friday. We will drive back home.

Then Don will see Neurosurgeon on the 28th. Hopefull surgery will happen a few days after. We will not know until that time.

If the sun is shining tomorrow and it is warm enough to get outside, Josh and I will work in our little garden. With all the cold weather still lingering, our vegtables have not thrived as well as I would have liked.

Thank you so much for praying for us. I believe Don has not relapsed because of prayer. I believe it.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane

Funeral services for Reuben Lee will be at 1 P.M. today at McKneely’s in Kentwood.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bernice Simmons will be at 11 A.M. at Line Creek Baptist Church. “Miss” was probably one of the best know and most loved ladies in the Kentwood area. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Everyone has special memories of people who have moved to their heavenly home. Our favorite memory of “Miss” Bernice is that she ALWAYS asked about out children BY NAME. That was so special to us!

Jesse Dean’s sister, Patsy, is hospitalized in North Oaks. Please be in prayer for her.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Frances Bell as she begins the rehabilitation process for the broken hip.

We have a third Thursday this week. There will be a meeting for food, fellowship, and Bible study this Thursday at the cabin at 6:30 P.M.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
SEVERAL YEARS AGO, my family was camping in the mountains of Colorado…
We have arrived there late in the afternoon, and we picked out a nice spot close to a beautiful river. While I was attending to the chores of setting up and organizing our camp, the children went off to play.
As the sun began to set, we started rounding up the children and hustling them back into our campground before it got completely dark. Our four-year-old son, Scott, was missing. The river was making so much noise that my calls were drowned out, and its roar was a constant reminder of danger.
Panic began to build. Where was he? Had he wandered out of the campground? Had he wandered up or down the river? The last time I saw him, he was playing at the edge of the water with a little boat he had made.
By now you could barely distinguish the camp as the rays of the setting sun were further blocked by the forest. A chilling reality gripped me. I only had a few minutes before darkness made my search nearly impossible.
What should I do?
First, I want to tell you some of the things I did not do.
I did not organize any classes on how to find lost children.
I did not hold any rallies to enlist volunteers to help me.
I did not wait until someone came along with was better qualified than I to search.
I did not fail to do anything for fear of doing the wrong thing.
Now, I want to tell you what I did do.
I acted immediately.
I ran around the campground.
I dashed up and down the river.
I called Scott’s name, in spite of the roaring river.
I searched the churning waters.
I stopped total strangers to describe him, and they joined in the search.
Nothing else mattered for that period of time. Finding him was my top priority.
After running all over the campground and up and down the river, I still could not find him. Not knowing what else to do, I decided to go back to camp to figure out what to do next. Scott and I arrived at the same time. He was walking nonchalantly into our campground, oblivious to everything; I was still on a dead run.
An old preacher once said, “If a man has a soul, and he has, and if that soul can be won or lost for eternity, and it can, then the most important thing in the world is to bring a man to Jesus Christ.” (Don Humphrey)
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save
that which was lost.”
~Luke 19:10~

Make a difference in a someone’s life today.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Let the peoples praise You, O God;

let all the peoples praise You.”

~Psalm 67:5~



Mrs. Faye Price was scheduled to go home for a little while yesterday. Celebrate this major step with the Price family.


Mrs. Margaret Huber is waiting for lab reports which should be available tomorrow. Pray for her and her family as she recovers from surgery.


Pray for the Simmons family as they prepare for the wake and funeral celebration for “Miss” Bernice. The wake is from 5-9 P.M. tonight at her home. The funeral will be at 11 A.M. tomorrow at Line Creek Baptist Church.

Jeremy Thomas Dover
(November 28, 1980 – April 11, 2009)

Jeremy Thomas Dover

Jeremy Thomas Dover a beloved husband, father, son, brother, & friend passed away at 9:34AM,on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. He was 28, a native of Independence and a resident of Pride, LA.

Jeremy is survived by his wife, Kristin Kinchen Dover, Pride; a daughter, Logan Kinchen Dover, Pride; a son, Gabriel Thomas Dover, Pride; parents, Thomas Edwin & Nita Kay Sowell Dover, Greensburg; a sister, Heather Dover, Greensburg; mother-in-law, Beverly Kinchen, Albany; father-in-law, Billy Kinchen, Pride; brother-in-law, Joshua Kinchen, Albany; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family & close friends.

Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Joseph C. & Anita Sowell; paternal grandparents, Alvis & Maudie Dover; 2 uncles, Joseph C. Sowell, III and Joey Dover.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 from 11:00AM until Religious Services at the funeral home Chapel at 12:00NOON.

Interment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to Jeremy Dover Benefit Account, %Bank of Greensburg, PO Box 10, Greensburg, LA. 70441

Family would like to thank the OLOL Trauma Neuro Critical Care Unit.

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

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



Don’t forget the choir from Louisiana College. They will have a one-night stop in Kentwood. See you at 7 P.M. Expect some beautiful music!

Gibbie McMillan is leading revival at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. I was told twenty-one people made professions of faith yesterday morning. The revival continues through Wednesday with services at 7 P.M. each night. You are invited to attend.
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
LAST YEAR WHILE hiking in the mountains of North Georgia, I came across a very large unusually shaped brick…
The brick was almost completely covered in green, fur-like vegetation. After I scraped the green goop away, I carefully inspected the brick and discovered that it was a brownish-yellow color instead of the traditional red. I also discovered some unusual markings and identification numbers on the brick. When I returned home, I was able to do some research and found that this particular type of brick was used in the early-to-mid eighteen hundreds to construct smelting ovens. These ovens melted and purified gold after it was mined from the mountains of North Georgia and Carolina. The purpose of the melting process was to remove any impurities that were attached to the gold.
THOUGHTS: God compares the difficulties and trials that each of us must experience in our lives to the purification or smelting process that gold goes through in order to become valuable. It is kind of like the refining process that the old yellow brick had been a part of over a hundred years ago. The brick had actually facilitated the fire’s ability to remove impurities from the gold after melting, and thereby increased its value. And more than likely some of the very gold which was purified in that particular type of brick smelting oven is still around today, possibly in the form of antique jewelry that has been passed from one generation to another. (Mitch Temple)
KneEmail: “The genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7



Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.”
~Psalm 57:9~
Continue to pray for the Dukes and their family during this trying time.


Mrs. Frances Bell was still waiting to see a doctor as of the last report. Hip surgery will probably be scheduled. She was not feeling any pain, just waiting. Please pray for her.
KneEmail
“At thet name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THE CARPENTER’S TOOLS had a meeting…
Brother Hammer served as the chairman. The other members of the tool belt informe him that he must leave, because he was too noisy. But brother Hammer said, “If I have to leave this carpenter’s shop, then brother Gimlet must go too. He’s insignificant and makes a very small impression.” (A gimlet is a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and a cross handle for boring holes).
Little brother Gimlet arose and said, “All right, but brother Screwdriver must go also. You have to turn him around and around to get anywhere with him.”
Brother Screwdriver turned to the other tools in the belt and said, “If you wish, I will go, but brother Plane must leave too. All of his work is on the surface; there’s no depth to what he does.”
To this brother Plane leveled his terse reply, “Well, then, brother Saw will have to depart too. The changes he proposes always cut too deep.”
Brother Saw complained, saying, “Brother Ruler will have to withdraw if I leave, for he’s always measuring other folks as though he were the only one who is right.”
Brother Ruler then surveyed the group and said, “Brother Sandpaper doesn’t belong here either. He’s rougher than he ought to be, and is always rubbing people the wrong way.”
In the midst of the discussion, the Carpenter of Nazareth walked in. He had come to perform his day’s work. He put on His tool belt and went to the workbench to make a pulpit. He employed the ruler, the saw, the plane, the hammer, the gimlet, the screwdriver, the sandpaper, and all the other tools. When the day’s work was over, the pulpit was finished, and the carpenter went home. All the accusations against each of these tools were absolutely true, yet the carpenter used every one of them. No matter which tool He use, no other tool coul have done the work better.
We are all “tools”” in Jesus’ tool box. Each of us has a purpose, ability, and a task to perform.
“For we are God’s fellow workers…” (1 Corinthians 3:9a; cf. 12:12ff).

The Easter Drama at FBC, Amite was good. It’s nice to visit there and see so many friends.

Tonight is the last presentation of the Easter Drama at FBC, Kentwood. Call the church office for tickets if you need some. The number is 229-8111.

Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Monday

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful

in handling this small amount,

so now I will give you many more responsibilities.

Let’s celebrate together!”

~Matthew 25:23 NLT~


Yesterday, both presentations of the Easter Drama at FBC, Kentwood were well attended. If you have not attended and wish to do so Monday or Tuesday, contact the church office at 229-8111 for tickets.

FBC, Amite has one more night of their Easter presentation. That will be at 7:00 P.M. tonight. Tickets are not needed.


Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell was back at church yesterday morning. She looked good, but is still seeking information on the cause of her problems. Pray for her as she sees her doctor in Baton Rouge Thursday.


Mrs. Faye Price is still in North Oaks. Pray for her and those caring for her.

Don Denton and Family

Just an update: We have decided not to go to St. Louis on Monday and we will be rescheduling Don’s tests for another time.

I am exhausted. Joshua is still ill. And I am just not able to do all of this. Trying to keep up with my work and do all of this is overwhelming.

I am just not sure how I can do all of this and I am very tired.

I will update you all if any changes.

Diane


Today is Day 4 of statewide testing in the school system. Pray for all those involved.



MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Please continue to pray for the Cape Town Metro Evangelism Team in South Africa. The team leader began her stateside assignment in March and will be in the United States until June. Pray for her to have a restful time, and pray for her mother, whose health has been failing. Ask that they will have some good time together. A missionary couple on the team has been having many health problems. Although both B and V are making progress, there is still much rehabilitation and healing that needs to occur. Please ask the Lord to continue strengthening them and to allow them to continue His work. Finally, there are many MKs (missionary kids) on the team, several of whom are in grades 10, 11 and 12. These are the toughest years in the South African school system, as the curriculum is structured not only to prepare the student for university, but to prepare them for a particular field of study. This means that many of the students are studying what would be equivalent to first- and second-year university subjects. Pray also for the MKs who are new to South Africa and are adjusting to this new system as well as to their new home. Thank you for continuing to pray for the team and lifting them up in their personal situations so that they can continue to do the Lord’s work in Cape Town.


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

WHEN BRITAIN’S OLDEST man turned 111, vintage aircraft did a flyover, and the Band of the Royal Marines played “Happy Birthday…”

According to the Daily Mirror, Henry Allingham was amazed by all of the attention. Until 6 years earlier, he had for 86 years kept secret the horrific memories of what happened in the trenches of World War I. Only when tracked down by the World War I Veteran’s Association did this old man, who had been shelled, bombed, and shot, receive honor for what he had endured in behalf of his country.

The story of the Bible gives us parallels to Henry’s story. The Scriptures show that those who fight the battles of God often end up wounded, imprisoned, and even killed as a result of their service.

The cynic might observe such lives and conclude with a sigh that no good deed goes unpunished. But the author of Hebrews sees a bigger picture. He reminds us that everything and anything we have done in faith and love will one day be honored by God (6:10).

Are you discouraged today? Do you feel insignificant? Do you feel forgotten after trying to serve God? Be assured that God will not forget anything you have done in your service to Him or others. (Mart De Haan)

“Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (Hebrews 11:35-40).

Blessing to each of you today!
Anna Lee

Sunday

Meaning of Easter

“Through the blood of His Son,

we are set free from our sins.

God forgives our failures

because of His overflowing kindness.”

~Ephesians 1:7 GWT~

Update on Scott Lindsey

Please continue to pray for Scott. As you know he suffered a traumatic brain injury from a 4-wheeler accident February 28th. He was transferred from Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge to Touro Infirmary in New Orleans on Thursday for Rehabilitation. Scott is truly a miracle! He is walking and talking, he is oriented to time and place.

There is a 50% mortality rate for the injury he sustained. Most patient’s with the injury Scott sustained are not nearly as far along as he is. The Doctors and Nurses are truly amazed. Please continue to keep Scott in your prayers. He is anxious to come home, but that is not possible at this time. Pray for him to have understanding and guidance and for the nurses and rehabilitation team that are working with him.


Don Denton and Family

Friday, April 3, 2009 11:49 AM, CDT

Just a quick update: Don did well on the pain meds last night and is doing better this morning. It is going to be a rough 3 weeks ahead of us.

I need prayer for the following. We are going back to St. Louis on Monday for testing all day. The doctors office has informed us that our insurance company is refusing to pay for a $400.00 test. We would need to pay up front.

I am not asking for money, but I am asking that you would pray that we would find a way for Don to have this test.

The doctors office has informed us that our insurance company is one of the only insurance companys that will not pay for this test. All other insurance companies do.

Joshua may have an ear infection, so I take Joshua to his doctor at 2pm today and Don sees an eye doctor to check pressure behind his eyes today.

Thank you for your love and support.

Diane


Saturday, April 4, 2009 4:45 PM, CDT

Well, Don miraculously did not have a headache yesterday. And today it has been minimal. Thank you God. I am so thankful for this. I don’t think I could have handled a relapse and Joshua being sick.

Yep…Joshua at doctor yesterday and then again this morning. Doctor sent us for xrays at hospital today and nebulizer treatment at doctor office.

Good news Joshua does not have pnemounia. He has inflammation in his airway. So Joshua is on a steroid and nebulizer treatment until he is better. Depending on how Joshua does today and tomorrow will determine whether we have to cancel all day testing for Don is St. Louis on Monday.

Joshua was up as I was most of the night last night with fever and constant cough and then on the way to doctor vomiting.

I think we should own part of the pharmacy by now….all of the pharmacists and techs know us by first name now.

I am so thankful that Don has not relapsed which I believe is a direct answer to prayer. I believe that with all that is within me. I saw how sick Don was the other night and I know this is a miracle that he did not relapse.

So, as this season of newbirth, new beginnings and the amazing reminder of Christ’s resurrection and what that means for us as believers, I am thankful.

I am tired and yet, thankful that I have not gotten what Joshua has, nor has Don. I make Don wear a mask and we have hand sanitizer everywhere throughout the house.

Well, a busy night ahead of me. Thank you so much for praying for Don and all of us.

Diane


THE POWER OF BAPTISM

The following true story comes from Verna Chambers in “Kids of the Kingdom”:

Little Betsy had faithfully attended baptism classes. Her mother, wanting to be sure her daughter understood its significance, asked, “Honey, what does baptism mean?”

“Well, it isn’t the water that makes you clean … ” she began.

Smiling, Mother thought, Yes, she understands.

” … it’s the soap.”

Well, Betsy was at least half right. Baptism is indeed the point at which the sins of a penitent sinner are washed away (Acts 22:16), but it’s not the water itself that makes you clean. Paul makes reference to the cleansing that comes in “the washing of water by the word.” (Eph. 5:26). Jesus, himself, spoke of the new birth as being “born of the water and the Spirit” (John 3:3,5). But there is no regenerational power in the water itself.

No, the power of baptism is the blood of Jesus Christ. As John acknowledged in the opening of his Revelation: “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” (Rev. 1:5).

Does that detract from the value of baptism? Not at all. Baptism is no less important. It just means that the power of baptism is found not in the water, but in the blood of Jesus Christ. That’s why Paul connects the two so closely in Romans 6:

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death…” (Romans 6:3-4). Separating baptism from the blood of Jesus Christ is like separating the chassis of a car from its motor. A car is useless without a motor — that’s where the power is! And baptism is worthless without the blood of Jesus — that’s where the power is!

What a beautiful symbol baptism is of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:4-5). Thanks be to God for the cleansing that comes at the point of baptism, but greater thanks indeed for the blood of Jesus Christ which provides the power for that cleansing!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

The first two presentations of the Easter Drama at FBC, Kentwood are today. Tickets are still available for Monday and Tuesday nights.

Pray for the drama to be meaningful not only to those who view the drama, but to those who participate in any way. In previous years the drama was very effective as a “revival“. Pray that will be true this year too.

The Easter presentation at FBC, Amite will be today and tomorrow. Tickets are not required.

Worship the Lord this Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“The Power of the Cross”

First Baptist Church, Kentwood

Sunday – 2:30 & 7:00 P.M.

Monday & Tuesday – 7:00 P.M.

Tickets – $2.00

985-229-8111

Pray for the dress rehearsal this afternoon and each presentation Sunday through Tuesday. Pray for all those who will participate and all those who view the presentation. Pray lives will be touched by the message of “The Power of the Cross”.

Sunday

“Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands

is not quickly broken.”

~Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV~.

Don Denton

I wanted to udate you all. Don is at Barnes Jewish on the Nurology floor. He is doing well. The doctors have tapered his steroids down to 20mg and Don has been on that does for 3 days now. He has not relapsed!

They will taper down to 15mg starting Monday. We continue to pray that Don will not relapse. Don has met with the Neuro Otologist and we both feel good about the direction they are going in.

There is talk of a biopsy of the brain, but that is NOT definitive at this point. We will be talking with doctors on Monday for a definitive answer as to what direction they want to go in.

We, Don and I will then call his Mayo doctor to discuss this and refer them to consult with the Barnes doctors if they want to do a brain biopsy.

We are praying that a biopsy will not be needed.

Also pray for Joshua. This is much, much harder for him than I could have imagined. This time around is really difficult emotionally for this 4 year old. He cries everytime he leaves his daddy. He gets sad at times and the other day, said upon our leaving the hosptial. Mommy can we take a walk by the lake so I can get my mind off of this. It amazes me that he can say that to me.

Joshua is more afraid this time too. It is almost like he knows dad is pretty sick again. Joshua is very protective of his daddy too.

And for that matter, hearing all of the doctors at Barnes talk about cancer and that possibility is really hard on all of us.

So we are now going on our second week up here. I had to come home this weekend to take care of some important business and we have our very special guests in from Rochester. Which we wish so badly that Don could be here to spend time with them. We so have needed this visit too.

This has been cathardic for both Joshua and I as their visit with us reminds us of our happy times at Mayo. WE have forged a very special bond with them and God brought this precious family in our life at His perfect timing. We are so blessed to know the Gustafson’s.

Josh and I will leave very early Monday morning to be at the hospital first thing to surprise Don.

Please pray for us as we are tired and weary again and are feeling it moreso.

We covet your prayers. We so need them.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane

Robbie Lynn C. Kirby

Robbie Lynn has told me she was doing well following her recent back surgery. We saw her last night. She is in Kentwood again this weekend and looks well. Thank God for the progress she continues to make.

Two Major Thrusts

The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering supports NAMB’s two major thrusts: evangelism and church planting. An estimated 220 million people in the United States and Canada do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The agency provides assistance to churches, associations, and state conventions in soul-winning training; interfaith witness; and church and community ministries, which include Alternatives for Life ministries and special evangelistic events.

Southern Baptists are starting more than 1,700 new churches every year, more than any other faith group. Yet, we still fail to keep pace with population growth. NAMB provides resources and strategies for establishing churches and missions among all ethnic and language groups in the United States and Canada.





THE VALUE OF TEACHERS

There is a beautiful legend about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.

The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. The king was told that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.

The second person was a celebrated physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.

The third person was a distinguished judge. The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.

The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.

The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came: “You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!”

It was James who wrote, “Brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers.” (James 3:1, GOD’S WORD). He points out that teachers will be judged more severely. He could just as easily have said that teachers have a greater responsibility, a greater challenge, a greater opportunity to affect the lives of people in a negative way. It is impossible to teach without using words, and with greater use of words comes a greater danger that the words will do harm.

But thanks be to God that there are those who face that challenge and assume that responsibility and make a diligent effort to use their words as an opportunity to affect the lives of people in a positive way. Those of you who are teachers — who can begin to measure the tremendous effect that you are having in the lives of the children (and adults) in your classrooms? You may not see the results of your efforts for years. In fact, you may never get to see the results. But you do make a difference.

Those of you who are schoolteachers are teaching not only the basics of education, but you are teaching values and character. Those of you who are Bible class teachers are filling the minds and hearts of our children with stories of faith that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Those of you who are preachers are strengthening the family of God and bringing salvation to the lost.

So, my hat is off to all of you who are teachers because you make a difference!

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach.” (Romans 12:6-7)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank a teacher(s) at church today and a school teacher(s) this week. I know I have some to thank.

Have a fantatic Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

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


Just an update on my Mom and Step-Dad (Ruby and Aubrey Stokes). Mr. Aubrey should be coming home today and my Mom will be there in the hospital (per the doctor) untill at the least Monday, she is some better but still has a way to go to get back on her feet, thank God and thanks to you all for your prayers and please continue to pray for them and our family as we try to get them to adjust to having help instead of them trying to do everything by themselves.

Don had MRI of brain and spine today. He will have lumbar puncture tomorrow. He is doing OK. He really wants to be done with this. As anyone would be.

He is feeling OK. Still dizzy. The good news is that they are bringing specialist in the area of dizziness. And they are wanting to ge to the bottom of this as well. The doctors are suggesting that Don possibly stay a little longer.

We will have more answers tomorrow in the direction they want to go in. Joshua is doing well. The family we are staying with is amazing!. Ann and Frank are a gift from God to us. Joshua loves Ann and has bonded with her. Ann has some grandaughters about Josh’s age and that makes it special for him too.

We, Joshua, Don and I are so tired of the hospital. Yet, we have this very peaceful place to come and rest our heads. We are so blessed!

I will keep you posted as we hear more of what the doctors have to say.

Diane

Pray concerns:

*Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell – Hospitalized in Covington for tests

*Mr. Orin Davidson – At Naomi’s; fell Tuesday

*Joann Carter – Waiting to see if treatment is an option

*Kathryn Sanders

*Glen Allen

*Mrs. Faye Price – Kentwood Manor

*Mr. Charley Kuss

*Caregivers

“The Power of the Cross” Easter Presentation

Dear Friends, we are excited to tell you that we now have what we need for BOTH of us to go to El Salvador this summer! We are so thankful. Thank you for coming alongside us! We’ll be in touch again with prayer requests and info. about the trip.

Grateful,

Tricia and Dwayne

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
YOU MIGHT ASK, “Why does God need to test us…?
Doesn’t He know everything, including what we would do in every situation?”  Yes, God knows–but we don’t!  God doesn’t test us in order to find out something He doesn’t already know.  He tests us so that we can learn about ourselves and His love, power and faithfulness.
In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac on a mountain in the land of Moriah.  Isaac was Abraham’s only son by his wife, Sarah–the son God had promised to Abraham.  By demanding that Isaac be sacrificed, God seemed to be nullifying His covenant of making a great nation out of Abraham.  How could God’s promise be fulfilled if Isaac was dead?
God tested Abraham to reveal whether or not Abraham truly trusted His promise.  Yes, God knew what Abraham would do, but He wanted Abraham to know as well.  So God put Abraham to the test–and Abraham passed it.  As Abraham r
aised his knife to sacrifice his own son, God stopped him and provided a sacrificial ram instead.
Every test involves obedience in one way or another.  When God tests us, He reveals the true state of our hearts.  (Os Hillman)

“Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my mind and my heart” (Psalm 26:2).

Wednesday

“For the one who wants to love life

and to see good days

must keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from speaking deceit,

and he must turn away from evil and do good.

He must seek peace and pursue it,

because the eyes of the Lord

are on the righteous

and His ears are open to their request.”

~1 Peter 3: 10-12a, HCSB~

Don Denton

Don, Joshua and I arrived Sunday night. Don was admitted Monday afternoon to Barnes Jewish and he is doing well. He has seen a number of doctors. We should have a direction that the doctors want to go in by sometime tomorrow. Don is pretty tired as he is not getting much sleep at night. Nurses tend to come in and out of the room often.

We are thankful to be here and are very hopeful to get answers for the dizziness. I will keep you all posted as soon as we hear.

Diane

Carl Wayne Stevens has had several days of not doing real well. Please continue to pray for him, the nursing home staff, and the family.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
WHEN SOMEONE BEGINS speaking by saying, “The ONLY thing you have to do to be saved is…” they involve themselves in error or double talk…
There is no “alone” in the salvation process. It takes a combination of things on man’s part as well as God’s part to accomplish this wonderful event.
More and more we hear people say that we are save by grace “alone.” Such cannot be the case. This with me for a minute. If salvation is by grace “alone,” would that not logically imply that all men would be saved? Paul stated in Titus 2:11 that the “grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all men. If all that was necessary for salvation to occur was grace “alone,” then all would be saved, for God’s grace has been offered to all.
If one the other hand, man must act in some fashion to secure and appropriate God’s grace, then man’s response becomes a part of the equation. Does this minimize God’s grace? Do we diminish from its power in suggesting that man must respond to grace in order for it to save us? Does man’s response diminish the power and greatness of God’s grace. Of course not. Certainly the Bible teaches that the salvation of man arises from the kindness, love, and mercy of God, independent of our own goodness (Titus 3:4-5). However, while salvation arises from the gracious qualities of God, it is not accomplished until man acts in response to His grace.
While some proclaim we are saved by grace “alone,” others among us are proclaiming that we are saved by faith “alone.” This too is erroneous. To say that one is saved by faith “alone” means that nothing else is involved (i.e., if “alone” really means “alone”). Would that not imply that God’s grace is not even necessary? It would if “alone” means “alone.” If this faith “alone” doctrine were true, it would eliminate God’s part in the salvation process, while the grace “alone” doctrine would eliminate man’s part in the salvation process.
Salvation requires two parties — God and man. The scheme of redemption had its beginning in the gracious, compassionate, love of God. But it is not completed until man responds to the divine conditions of pardon set forth in Scripture. There is just no “alone” in the scheme of redemption. (Steve Higginbotham)
“For by grace (God’s part) you have been saved through faith (man’s part), and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Eph. 2:8-9a).

Drama rehersal will be in the auditorium at FBC, Kentwood tonight and prayer meeting in the prayer room at 6 P.M.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Anna Lee