FBC – Page 155 – The Prayer Link

Wednesday

Very early in the morning,

while it was still dark,

Jesus got up,

left the house and went off to a solitary place,

where he prayed.

~Mark 1:35 (NIV)~

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell and Mrs. Faye Price. They both have had doctor appointments this week and are continuing treatment. Your prayers will be appreciated.

Mrs. Mary Nell Kliesch is recovering well following her surgery. Continue to pray for her.

Please pray for Mr. Kenneth Dillon, band director at KHS. He’s in North Oaks.

Update on Callie Jo Burnette:

….She is still on the breathing machine and comotized. They say she is fighting the virus and getting a little better each day, but still in critical condition. Debbie finally left the hospital Saturday to go home and get a bath and a change of clothes. Keep praying for her. Thanks Nessie for sending this out. I believe God will pull her through this, she is young and strong.

Message from Holly Kliesch:

Hello friends! …The address is hollysafricanadventures.blogspot.com.

Thank you for your prayers and support. Right now I’m just getting ready to head to training in Richmond, Va. I leave on Oct. 20. The eight weeks I will spend there can be pretty tiring and busy! But I’m excited to be starting on this big adventure.

God bless,
Holly Kliesch

Alvin N. “Bubbie” Stevens
(September 21, 1951 – October 3, 2008)

Alvin N. “Bubbie” Stevens, Jr., 57 years old, died Friday, October 3, 2008 at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Joyce Lamonica Stevens of Independence; his mother, Audrey “Sook” Stevens; his sister, Brenda S. Catalanotto; his niece, Christy Catalanotto; all of Amite; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Rose Lamonica; his sister-in-law, Kathy Lamonica; his uncle and aunt, Sonny and Rosalie Garofalo; cousins Larry, Jody, Todd, Ronnie, Michael, Dusty, Ryan and Fallyn Garofalo and the little cousin on the way who will be his namesake, Wyatt Alvin Garofalo; all of Independence. He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin “Pee Wee” Stevens; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Stevens; and his maternal grandparents, Desiree and Mary Bass Bennett. Bubbie was a very loving and caring man who was also dearly loved by his entire family. As per his wishes, Bubbie was cremated and no official service was held.

Nathan Hyde
(Died October 6, 2008)

Nathan Hyde passed away Monday, October 6, 2008 at M D Anderson Hospital, Houston, TX.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

Debra Johnstone “Debi” Gallagher
(June 16, 1952 – October 4, 2008)

Debra “Debi” Johnstone Gallagher was born on June 16, 1952, and passed away at 9:35PM, Saturday, October 4, 2008 at her daughter’s residence in Greer, SC. She was 56, a native of Bossier City, LA and resident of Crystal Springs, MS. Debi was the daughter of the late Dow & Mildred Johnstone.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Jessica Gallagher Baker, and husband, Trey, Southaven, MS & Whitney Gallagher Coe, and husband, Phil, Greer, SC; a son, James Edward “Jed” Gallagher,II, and wife, Courtney, Amite, LA; a brother, Richard Johnstone, and wife, Donna, Atlanta, GA; former husband, James Edward “Jimmy” Gallagher, Amite, LA.; 2 grandchildren, Caleb & Abbi Baker.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Linda Johnstone Gulledge, and brother-in-law, Kenneth Gulledge.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at the Funeral Home Chapel at 12:00 NOON. Interment in the Wilmer Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford

Tonight will be the last night of revival services at FBC, Kentwood. The emphasis tonight is on youth, but all are promised a meaningful service. Six-thirty is the time for the service to begin.

WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD

October 8, 2008

KABYLE BERBERS OF ALGERIA AND FRANCE (kuh-BEEL BER-bers). Friends who have recently returned from vacation in Algeria report that the church they visited is alive, well and growing! Those brothers and sisters preparing for baptism had inscribed their names and their village of origin on a list that was posted at the entrance to the church–testifying that people were coming from the “four corners of Kabylia” to attend. The library was well stocked with Christian materials, and the service was so vital that the Holy Spirit’s presence was almost palpable! Praise God for His faithful answers to your prayers for His church in Algeria. Please continue to persevere in lifting up pastors, believers and seekers, expecting an outpouring of God’s Spirit and growth of His kingdom! http://www.experiencename.com/

MADAGASCAR, INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS. A missionary family drives five hours from where they currently are studying the Malagasy language to get a taste of what life will be like for them when they move to a city near an unreached people group, the Tanala. God called missionaries Jeremy and Angela Newton and their three young boys more than a year ago to share the gospel with Madagascar’s Tanala people group. After the long drive on rough roads, they settle down. They begin to absorb all that they experienced during the day. As they both pray, even the rats prancing around on the hotel ceiling do not mute what they know God is telling them. Watching the sunrise in the early morning, Jeremy and Angela are convicted of their call to work with the Tanala people. They discover that the Tanala live out in the rain forest, not in the city where they originally anticipated living, and that they must go to them. God has convicted them that living in the rain forest among the Tanala tribe may be the best way to show them Jesus. Yes, they know it will be isolated, lonely and rough, but the Newtons are confident that God will provide and bless as they move forward in obedience. Pray for the Newtons as they complete language study, asking that it will be free of distractions and that they will find language partners. Pray for all the “unknowns” that will accompany the move into the area of the Tanala to become known and to be overcome.

KURDS OF IRAN. Please pray for S, a Kurd from the western Iranian city of K. Recently S was taken by the secret police of his country for his evangelistic efforts for the gospel. The authorities have charged him with crimes against his country and against the dominant religion of his country. He has been beaten severely and is suffering greatly from this bad treatment. No one else in his family is a believer. Thus far he has not been allowed visitors, although he has been able to speak a few times on the telephone. Pray that S will be encouraged by the prayers of many brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray that those S whom has evangelized and is discipling will grow stronger in their faith during this time of suffering. Pray that the church among the Kurds of Iran will grow as a result of this situation. doulos@comcast.net; http://centralasia.imb.org/

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Trust in Him at all times, you people;

pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.”

~Psalm 62:8~

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell. She has another appointment today. Her problem seems to be getting worse, not better.

Please add my mother, Dot Smith of Roseland, back to your prayer list. We saw her doctor Friday. Tests are being done to determine the problem.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. A missionary couple asks: “Please pray for our son and his wife. They have both suffered a myriad of health issues during their three-year marriage. These issues are putting a strain on many areas of their lives. Please pray for complete healing, and ask that they will deepen their relationship with the One who provides the blessings in their lives.”

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Monday, October 6, 2008

“In the beginning was the Word…

In Him was life,

and the life was the light of men.”

~John 1:1a, 4, NKJV~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for South Asians.

Hindus across South Asia are preparing for Durga Puja, one of the biggest festivals of the year. Idols are selling in a fury and department stores are spending thousands to encourage customers to shop for new clothes so they will look their very best. Restaurants are creating special Durga menus, and the air is filled with the heavy smell of incense. It is party time.

People spend money they do not have in order to display bigger and classier idols of Durga than their neighbors. Durga is one of many Hindu goddesses, and the holiday celebrates her coming into Hindu homes. The celebration ends with the images of Durga being immersed in a river or body of water. It is really a very sad time for believers to witness such intense idol worship.

Later in the month is the beginning of Divali, a six-day festival that is shared by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. Known also as the Festival of Lights, Divali celebrations are marked by fireworks, clay lamps and, increasingly, electric lights similar to those used during Christmas. Light represents knowledge and the victory of good over evil. Darkness represents ignorance and all the negative forces of wickedness, violence, lust, anger, envy, fear, etc. Some believe that lighting a lamp allows the beauty of the world to be revealed.

Can you see the spiritual truth imbedded in this festival?

* Please pray that South Asian Christians will boldly let their light shine throughout Durga Puja and Divali.

* Ask the Father to shine His light during this dark time so the people will turn to Him and not to the host of gods that they idolize.

* Minister to your South Asian neighbors during the month of October, helping them to see that the Light of the world has been revealed and has sealed the victory over darkness for all eternity!

Revival services at FBC, Kentwood continue tonight at 6:30 P.M.

Deacons for the week:

Smiley Conerly
Roy Turner

Daily Strength for Daily Needs

Mary W. Tileston

October 6

I had fainted, unless I bad believed to see the goodness of the Lord in he land of the living.-PS. xxvii. 13.

I will surely do thee good.–GEN. xxxii. 12.

Thou know’st not what is good for thee,
But God doth know,–
Let Him thy strong reliance be,
And rest thee so.
C. F. GELLERT.

Let us be very careful of thinking, on the one hand, that we have no work
assigned us to do, or, on the other hand, that what we have assigned to us
is not the right thing for us. If ever we can say in our hearts to God,
in reference to any daily duty, “This is not my place; I would choose
something dearer; I am capable of something higher;” we are guilty not only
of rebellion, but of blasphemy. It is equivalent to saying, not only, “My
heart revolts against Thy commands,” but “Thy commands are unwise; Thine
Almighty guidance is unskilful; Thine omniscient eye has mistaken the
capacities of Thy creature; Thine infinite love is indifferent to the
welfare of Thy child.”
ELIZABETH CHARLES.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Let every soul

be subject to the governing authorities. . . .

whoever resists the authority

resists the ordinance of God.”

~Romans 13:1a, 2a, NKJV~

Nancy Stokes shares this:

ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT

This is the scariest election we as Christians have ever faced and from the looks of the polls, the Christians aren’t voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees.

Do you believe we can take God at His word? Call upon His name, then stand back and watch His wonders to behold. This scripture gives us, as Christians, ownership of this land and the ability to call upon God to heal it. I challenge you to do so. We have never been mor e desperate than now for God to heal our land. This election is the scariest I remember in my lifetime.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. The United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever!!!

If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, the up-coming el ection, that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the U.S.

If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along. Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.

Thank You. Please pass this on to anyone who you think will want to join us.

‘The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.’ -Albert Einstein

ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT

Virginia Massey Guy
Mrs. Virginia Massey Guy was born on Oct. 9, 1936, and passed away at 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was 71, a native of Water Valley, Miss., a resident of Greensburg, and a former resident of Denham Springs. Virginia was the daughter of the late Buck and Viola Massey. She is survived by two grandchildren, Cara Nicole Guy and fiancé Adam Brose, and Kenneth “Kenny” Guy III, all Denham Springs; a brother, Roy Massey Sr. and wife Jenny, Baton Rouge; two sisters-in-law, Linda Guy Phillips, Greensburg, and Dean Guy Noto and husband Victor, Independence; a great-grandson, Daron Brose, Denham Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Guy Sr.; a son, Kenneth “Kenny” Guy Jr.; and a brother, Billy Massey. Visitation will be at the Day’s United Methodist Church, Liverpool, on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1 p.m. until religious service at 2:30 p.m., with the Rev. Larry Robertson, officiating. Interment in the Greensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Virginia M. Guy Memorial Fund, c/o McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, 60100 Westway Drive, Amite, LA 70422. McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

Revival Services at FBC, Kentwood

Sunday: 10:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
Monday – Wednesday: 6:30 P.M.
You are invited to attend.

Have a super Sunday!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Be careful how you think;

your life is shaped by your thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)

My sister is working on an update on Callie Jo Burnette. Keep praying for her and her family.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell continues to have a very difficult time with her inner ear problem. She spent some time in the emergency room at North Oaks Thursday. Please continue to pray for her and Mr. Phillip.

Pray for Jason Alford as he has his first day in a couple of months without crutches. Continue to pray for him as he continues physical therapy.

Pray for Debra Bush and her family as the memorial service for her husband is held this morning at 10:00 at First Baptist Church, Kentwood.

Kathleen Lowe
(November 5, 1948 – October 2, 2008)

Kathleen Lowe was born November 5, 1948 and passed away at 1:16PM, on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. Kathleen was 59, a native of Amarillo, TX and a resident of Amite. She is survived by her aunt, Kaye Matthews, Amite.

Funeral 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 next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Revival services will begin in the morning at FBC, Kentwood. Sunday’s worship services begin at 10;30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Come and bring a friend or family member.

ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS

The following insightful piece appears in “Chicken Soup For the Kids’ Soul”:

My dad says I am ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS. I wonder if I really am.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Sarah says you need to have beautiful long, curly hair like she has. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Justin says you must have perfectly straight white teeth like he has. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Jessica says you can’t have any of those little brown dots on your face called freckles. I do.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Mark says you have to be the smartest kid in the seventh-grade class. I’m not.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Stephen says you have to be able to tell the funniest jokes in the school. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Lauren says you need to live in the nicest neighborhood in town and in the prettiest house. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Matthew says you can only wear the coolest clothes and the most popular shoes. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Samantha says you need to come from a perfect family. I don’t.

But every night at bedtime my dad gives me a big hug and says, “You are ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS, and I love you.”

My dad must know something my friends don’t.

–Carla O’Brien

We all need to be reminded from time to time of that which makes us beautiful. We look for beauty in the clothes we wear or the make-up or the tan. True beauty is found much deeper.

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (I Peter 3:3-4)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Blessings,

Anna Lee

Friday

“For the Son of Man

is come to seek and to save

that which was lost.”

~Luke 19:10, KJV~

Please pray for Cliff and Lauree Titus. Cliff has had one of those difficult weeks as he fights pain.

Update on Charlie Banks

Friends, family and countrymen… Lend me your ear!

We realize a few days have passed since our last update. We haven’t forgotten you all — our faithful prayer partners, friends and family. We praise God that you are still remembering us and we are thankful for the encouragement, comfort and laughter that each of you bring to us.

Yesterday, Dad had his stitches removed. His incisions look good and so far no infection. Praise the Lord for no infection. The physical therapist comes 2-3 times a week. He really works Dad. With the exercise and extra time in a bed, Dad’s arthritis is bothering him in his right hip. Please pray that he would be able to bear this pain. Pray that his pain would be eased at this time. Pray that he would remain patient. He keeps saying, “Shouldn’t I be doing more?” We remind him that he must take “baby steps” to recover. Your emails and calls always help lift his spirit. He can be reached at 770-478-8907. We are seven hours ahead and usually stay up until 10:30-11.
This morning we awoke to find Mimi sick. She had diarrhea all night and now she is vomiting. Pray for quick healing for her and that no one else will get sick in our home. She is an amazingly strong women, both emotionally and spiritually. However, I know that she is remaining strong for Dad and needs much prayer for her well-being as well. Pray for Mimi’s continued strength physical, emotional and spiritual as she returns home.

One good thing we have seen through this ordeal… Well, many good things, but we will share one right now. The young man who hit us, Adrian, is not a believer of Jesus Christ. Wes has continued to serve and show God’s kindness to him in every meeting. When they met with the lawyer this week, we learned that he was driving with a suspended license and no insurance. This young man has a lot against him. He could face prison depending on how the law rules. This is not our desire. God spared Dad’s life, as well as all of our family. We pray that God will spare this young man and that he would learn responsibility through this ordeal. We can all say that God has given us many chances. Wes had dinner with Adrian on Monday evening he and shared his life testimony with Adrian. We pray that each meeting with Adrian will bring him closer to a relationship with Jesus. Even if he has no hope for the coming things in his future — Christ is waiting to give him Hope and a new future. Pray for Adrian.

You’ve asked… Our spirits are well. It is an up and down journey. Yes, we trust God in all things. Some days are harder than others. Each of us seems to experience the lows, questions and doubts at different times. Keep praying that God will lead us to His Word that is full of promises. I remember when I had my accident — God surrounded me with His Word daily. If a scripture stands out to you about this time, please pass it on to us.

We praise God for you.

Vessels 4 Christ, Tamara for the Banks family
Team Romany /IMB
Www.teamromany.com

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

“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

CONFUSED ABOUT WORSHIP

There is a huge problem in South Africa among the Zulu males. They are really confused about worshiping God. There are lots of ways to worship God-we sing hymns and choruses, we pray, we serve God because we love Him. These are just some of the ways we worship God. But in South Africa the problem is much bigger than what song to sing.

Many Zulu males think it is okay to worship their ancestors and consult witchdoctors for every sort of problem. So they call themselves ‘Christians’ while worshiping other gods. The Old Testament teaches us in the Ten Commandments, “Do not have other gods besides Me.” (Exodus 20:3, HCSB)

As Christians, it is not okay to worship anyone or anything except God. These Zulu men are causing problems in some churches in South Africa. Please pray for the churches that they will study the Bible and know what God says. Pray for the people that they will worship only God. Ask God to help these confused Zulu men understand that they should only worship Him. Pray that they will repent and stop worshiping their ancestors and trusting the witchdoctors.

Also pray for schooling, that parents will have wisdom to choose the right school for their children and that their children will shine for Jesus in these schools. SARAH, age 18, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for me. This is my last year at highschool…pray that I will have patience and will persevere. Pray about my decision on which college I should go to. Please pray for my family, too, that they will not give up on reaching the unreached. The work can be stressful. HOPE, age 17, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

About 8 million people live in Johannesburg, South Africa. They live in big modern homes, block homes or squatter areas. People from many parts of South Africa and many other countries live here. They speak more than a dozen languages. Pray for safety- there is lots of crime. Pray for leaders to be developed in the small church. BEN, age 11, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray that I’d be a strong witness to the girls on my soccer team. Ask God to help me get through the rest of homeschool without feeling too lonely.

CALLIE, age 17, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray that my cat will be OK. Pray for my “chowkidar,” his wife and their new baby. You say that like CHOKE-ee-dahr. A “chowkidar” is someone who watches over things at your house. And pray that everybody in all the hospitals in the world will be OK. JACK, age 10 (South Asia)

Pray for my school, Mountainview. MARIAH, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

Pray for me that I will make new friends in my country when I move. CALEB, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

I am praying for my friend that lives in Thailand. He is not a Christian. Thailand is very hot, hot and hot-and a lot of fun.

Please pray that God will help the people in Maltu to know about Jesus. DAVID, age 7 (Pacific Rim)

Shared by Mr. K.K. Kennedy:

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election 1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

ISN’T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?!!

Ruth Evangeline Owen
A resident of Amite, she died at 4:05 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008, at her home. She was 97 and a native of Athens, Ill. She is survived by two daughters, Freda E. Owen, and Carleen O. Vining and husband David, all of Amite; son, Eugene K. Owen and wife Judy, Cleveland, Miss.; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene W. Owen. Private services will be held at a later date. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

October 2, 2008

TEXAS–Galveston residents cope with Ike’s clout. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29048

TEXAS–Houston’s Baptist centers meet post-Ike needs. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29049

TENNESSEE–SBC finishes ahead of budget, CP down slightly. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29050

KANSAS–Church sees CP’s spiritual dimension. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29051

INDIANA–Ind. Baptists celebrate half-century mark. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29052

ALABAMA–Baptist family appears on BBC reality show. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29053

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Rebecca Ingram Powell): ‘It’s a pleasure waiting on you.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29054

Cottage Prayer Meetings Tonight:

Judy Fowler
David and Anna Lee Alford

READ THE SIGNS CAREFULLY

Three Irishmen, Paddy, Sean and Shamus, having left the pub a wee late one night, found themselves on the road which led past the old graveyard.

“Come have a look over here,” says Paddy, “it’s Michael O’Grady’s grave, God bless his soul. He lived to the ripe old age of 87. Good blood, those O’Grady’s!”

“That’s nothing,” says Sean. “Here’s one named Patrick O’Toole, it says here that he was 95 when he died. Aye, those O’Tooles are a hardy bunch, they are!”

Just then, Shamus yells out, “Forget him, here’s a fella that lived to be 145 years old!”

“What was his name?” ask Paddy and Sean.

Shamus stumbles around a bit, awkwardly lights a match to see what else is written on the stone marker, and exclaims, “Miles, to Dublin!”

Signs are valuable, but only if we understand what they were intended to mean. I am reminded of a time when some Jews came to Jesus looking for a sign:

“Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, ‘When it is evening you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red”; and in the morning, “It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.” Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.’ ” (Matt. 16:1-3)

What were the “signs of the times” that the Jewish leaders could not discern? I think they were the signs — the miracles — Jesus performed. They said that they wanted a sign, but they had already been given many. And even when they were given the greatest sign of all — the resurrection of Jesus Christ — they would fail to understand its significance.

We have the signs of Christ written down to point us to the fact the he was indeed the Son of God (John 20:30-31). Read the signs carefully.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,

that you should be for salvation

to the ends of the earth.”

~Acts 13:47~

Today, I’m going to start with a thought my daughter-in-law, Becki, shared on her blog. She periodically writes thoughts, mainly about her family, in a very special way. Read for yourself.

RelatedPeople often tell me how cute Peyton is and and as her moma I happen to agree with them. Of course when they say she also looks just like me, well…that is just icing on the cake! I mean, if she is cute and they think she looks like me…well you do the math! But seriously, I like knowing that there is a resemblance between me and her. It shows that we are related.

After hearing someone make another comment yesterday about Peyton and I, I started thinking, as tickled as I get to hear that about Peyton, how much more tickled is God when He hears that about one of His children. I want people to be able to see the resemblance between me and my heavenly Father. I want them to know that He and I are related. I just hope that He doesn’t view me as the “odd ball” family member we all seem to have.

When people look at us, do they see a strong resemblance to the Father? Do they see a little resemblance? Do they see any resemblance at all?

Cottage Prayer Meetings Tonight:

Mary Young
Andy and Betty Taylor

Many people in our church and community are in need of our prayers. I’ll remind you of a few, but please prayer for the ones I list as well as others.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell
Mrs. Margaret Callihan
Glenda Schilling
Joan Hagan
Mr. Charley Kuss

Some names from outside our community that you can also include on your prayer list

Mrs. Frann S. Clark
Mr. Riley Clark (Veteran’s Home)
Mrs. Lucille Pledger (moved to nursing home last week)
Rev. and Mrs. Landrum Salley
Mrs. Betty Bethel

LAST FRONTIER. Beggar children, ages 8, 9 and 11, walked several miles to get to a believer’s house. Their clothes were soaked from the long walk in the rain, as their only umbrella was broken. They had no shoes, yet their smiles were bright and wide. The believer was happy to see the children. She had not seen these children in awhile. They and other beggar children like to come to her house to get food, water, and sometimes a bath in clean water with soap. They don’t have enough money to go to school. They are unable to read. She sat with the children under the porch roof in small chairs, reading to them and serving them as the heavy rains fell outside. She prayed with them as well as gave them books and crayons. They had never had crayons before and looked at them curiously, needing a demonstration. “Lord, help these children to know You!” the believer prayed silently. Please pray with her for these children and others like them to know Jesus.

FOCUS ON WEST AFRICA: CARRYING LIVING WATER TO A THIRSTY PEOPLE. God is using churches of all sizes to evangelize and plant churches in West Africa. He continues to call out laborers into the white harvest fields of this region of the world. During the West Africa Summit in April 2008, forty-five churches made decisions to partner at some level in West Africa. Please begin now to intercede for the next West Africa Summit that will be held at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on Nov. 5-7. This summit has great potential for increasing partnerships between Southern Baptist churches in the United States and unreached people groups in West Africa. Ask God to once again stir the hearts of His people to bring the Good News to those without a witness in West Africa. As you remember this summit, ask Him how you, too, can be involved. http://www.gowestafrica.org/

MUSLIMS: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALL. As Muslims continue to celebrate Eid up-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of the month of fasting, pray that many will realize that all their personal efforts to win God’s favor have been futile–for man’s righteousness is as filthy rags to our holy, righteous Creator. Pray for these people to begin to seek Truth: from friends who are believers, through evangelistic literature or Scriptures they have been given, through radio or television programs, or on the Internet. Pray for Muslim men and women to seek and find righteousness, everlasting hope, and true joy in Jesus Christ–a true and eternal reason to celebrate! http://btw.imb.org/

BRAZIL. Please pray now for two very important ministry events taking place this month and next. First, pray for the Tent of Hope ministry project that will take place this month, beginning on Oct. 5. The Tent of Hope ministers to the hundreds of thousands of religious pilgrims coming to Belem during the festival of Cirio. Some walk barefoot or crawl many miles to participate in this yearly event. Pray for those from the IMB, the Brazilian Home Mission Board, and other Great Commission Christian groups taking part in evangelism and social-ministry impact events. Pray especially for the three-day My Hope Brazil (Billy Graham Association) preparations and programs to be televised on Brazilian national television on Nov. 6-8, and for many Christian homes that will invite lost friends to watch the programs with them!

PRAY TO THE LORD OF THE HARVEST (Matthew 9:36-38): JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (joh-HAHN-is-burg). A heavy burden is on the hearts of Eastern Metropolitan Evangelism Team members for the northern areas of South Africa where a multitude of people live who need Jesus. A volunteer team from Alabama joined Wade Coker on Sept. 25 and will continue ministering through Oct. 2 in the Malamulele area of Limpopo province among the Tsonga-Shangaan people. The team worked with three struggling churches to train them during a two-day conference. Now they are going out in the neighboring villages, proclaiming the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Please ask the Lord to work through His servants to strengthen these churches and to draw many to faith in Christ. Pray that the Lord will call out missionaries to serve in this area where there is no IMB missionary presence. drd5650@earthlink.net

Please pray for womens fellowship meeting on 2nd October 08.

please pray for ministry at Shenoy nagar& Red hills in Chennai India.

please visit my webpage http://www.churchofchristindias@blogspot.com

Bro. E.K. Nathaniel

Baptist Press

October 1, 2008

WASHINGTON–U.S.-Muslim engagement key to security, prosperity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29038

MASSACHUSETTS–Boston-area Arabic Baptists ‘reaching out.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29039

MICHIGAN–ELECTION 08: Mich. voters weigh legalizing embryonic stem cell research. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29040

LOUISIANA–Bayou community welcomes Baptist help. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29041

TEXAS–In Galveston, Baptists help kindle hope. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29042

TENNESSEE–Financial freedom gets New Testament boost. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29043

TENNESSEE–Navy chaplains’ requests yield Bibles, books. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29044

TEXAS–FIRST PERSON (Keith Collier): Hurricane relief showcases cooperation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29045

KANSAS–FIRST-PERSON (Phil Boatwright): DVD addresses tough faith questions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29047

Virginia Massey Guy
(October 9, 1936 – October 1, 2008)

Mrs. Virginia Massey Guy was born on October 9, 1936 and passed away at 6:25AM, Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at the St. Helena Parish Nursing Home, Greensburg. She was 71, a native of Mississippi and a former resident of Denham Springs and resident of Greensburg.Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

A J Hart
(March 24, 1956 – September 25, 2008)

A J Hart
Mr. A J Hart was born March 24, 1956 and passed away at 12:17PM on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was 52, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Independence. A J was the son of Mrs. Helen Johnson & late Ernest Hart of Independence. He is also survived by 3 sons, Brad Hart, Scotty Hart, & Jason Hart of Brookhaven, MS; 3 sisters, Frances Failla, Independence, Geraldine Howell, Loranger & Mary Hart, Hammond; a brother, Willie Hart, Independence; 2 grandchildren, & numerous nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death also by his 2 sisters, Peggy Hart & Sandra Sue Hart.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at the Little River United Pentecostal Church, Tickfaw, from 1:00 PM until Religious Services at 2:00PM with Rev. Adriene Spikes, officiating. Interment in the Church Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Frances Smith Corkern
(December 6, 1944 – September 29, 2008)

Died at 6:44PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Tylertown,MS and a resident of Independence, LA. Age 63 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Friday until religious services at 12 Noon on Friday. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Peggy Sue Landers and Donna Marie Landers, 2 sons, James Ray Johnson and Thomas Earl Johnson, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Frances Ann Johnson Golmon, parents, Roy Earl and Ollie Estell Smith, 3 brothers, Roy Earl Smith, Jr., Chester Clark and James Smith, 1 sister, Elowese Clark.

Have a terrific Thursday!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

My dear brothers and sisters,

be quick to listen,

slow to speak,

and slow to get angry.

James 1:19 (NLT)

Jason Alford said he was down to one crutch (and a knee brace?) and hopes to be free of crutches soon. Physical therapy is working! Pray for Jason as he continues to imporve and as he puts more weight on his leg and expects it to perform as if there had been no injury.

Several people have important doctor visits this week. Pray for them.

TODAY’S PRAYER
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
OCTOBER 1, 2008

“I will praise You, O Lord,

among the peoples;

I will sing to You among the nations.”

(Psalm 57:9)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam (southeastern Asia).

A note from Ed Cox, director of the IMB’s International Prayer Strategy Office:

Thank you so much for your faithful intercession each month for the many conferences and events hosted by the International Mission Board. May God’s blessings abound…

Thank the Lord for the 248 missionaries who will be commissioned today, October 1, for their overseas ministry assignments. They have successfully completed their eight-week field personnel orientation and will be departing very shortly. Please lift them and their families up before the Lord as they say their goodbyes. Several of the participants are still awaiting reception of their visas, and some of them have homes to sell prior to departure. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated. May the Lord show Himself mighty on their behalf…

Pray for our October 6-13 Stateside Assignment Conference, which will provide a time of debriefing, equipping and inspiration for 214 of our missionaries and 109 missionary kids (MKs). May each one of them be refreshed and renewed during these days…

Intercede for the IMB’s Global Advance Council, a gathering of key mission influencers who support the work of the IMB. Pray for Billy Hoffman and the rest of his team as they prepare for the October 8-10 event. May each participant experience safe travel and “divine leadership” as they meet together…

Ask God’s blessings on IMB home office staff as they participate in the “Lead Like Jesus” simulcast leadership conference on October 17. May our Father speak into each heart through the many speakers. May lives be transformed through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit…

Please lift up our October 20 through December 18 Field Personnel Orientation (FPO) session. This session will group 254 of our newest missionaries and 109 MKs for a time of equipping and spiritual enrichment prior to their first term of overseas ministry. May the Lord bless them with excellent health, keen minds to learn, and open hearts to experience fully all He has planned for them during these days of orientation…

Intercede for the 34 new missionary candidates who will be attending the October 21-24 Candidate Conference. Ask the Lord to bless them with safe travel to Richmond, to guard their children from illness and accidents during their absence, to reveal His perfect plan for their lives, and to bless the consultants with an extra ounce of His wisdom. May each candidate leave Richmond with a clear understanding of where God would have him/her serve Him…

In closing, I would like to ask you to pray for God’s blessings on the IMB staff as they serve you and our missionaries with faithful and caring hearts. May they sense God’s loving presence each step along the way…

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, October 1, 2008

“The LORD make His face shine on you,

and be gracious to you;

the LORD look with favor on you and give you peace.”

(Numbers 6:25-26, HCSB)

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to plead for peace.

“Peace” was the number-one prayer request of the pastor of the church in an Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp just outside of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Previously the camp was located seven miles farther away, but because they were attacked by rebels, they were shifted closer. The camp is home to 60,000 people. When viewing pictures of the camp, it is apparent that the people there had little hope. Usually when photographing children, they are happy to be in pictures, but these photos were of distracted, discouraged children with few smiles. The IDP live in tents that look very much like the tops of the old covered wagons traveling the American West in the 1800s. These tents are even smaller.

The second prayer request from the pastor was for the spiritual and physical needs of the people. The planting season, May and the first of June, has long since past. They now look to plant in 2009.

The Congo Team further shares, “We have heard of a group of pastors in the East who have been called by God to take the gospel to the rebels in East Congo. Pray that God will make a way for them to share His Word and to bring salvation to these rebels. Pray also that the many, many people who have suffered at the rebels’ hands will be able to forgive them. Other positive information is being shared about good results coming from the East Congo area. Rejoice and please continue to pray!”

* Please pray with these Internally Displaced People for “peace” in East Congo.

* Ask God to provide for both their spiritual and physical needs.

* Ask the Lord to shine His face and favor on these who are suffering.

Baptist Press

September 30, 2008

WASHINGTON–Congress moves to protect unborn babies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29029

SOUTH KOREA–Bobby Welch connects with Korean evangelicals. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29030

SOUTH KOREA–Welch encourages chaplains in Korea. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29031

SOUTH KOREA–Welch exhibits F.A.I.T.H. in Korea. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29032

TEXAS–Baptist relief at 3.7M meals & counting. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29033

TEXAS–Galveston Baptists share reports, plan ahead. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29034

LOUISIANA–Churches become post-Ike relief hubs. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29035

KANSAS–FIRST-PERSON (Phil Boatwright): ‘Fireproof’ adheres to the laws of movie-making. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29036

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Fall celebrations. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29037

Cecil C. Little, Jr.
(February 5, 1953 – September 30, 2008)

U.S. Veteran Died at 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood. He was a native of Amite, a former resident of Roseland, a current resident of Kentwood and a U. S. Army Veteran. Age 55 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. Jerry Blackwell and Rev. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer. He is survived by his parents, Cecil C. Little, Sr. and Mary Belle Little, Roseland; son, Christopher Bennett, Roseland; granddaughter, Krysta Holton; sister, Gloria D. Rowe, Kentwood; 2 brothers, Stanley D. Little, Franklinton and Larry G. Little, Prairieville. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hulon and Irma Little and Abner and Esther Brown, Sr.

Cottage Prayer Meeting

Wednesday – Fellowship Hall

Join us as we pray for revival. If you cannot be there, pray on your own. Pray for :

Revival leadership
Musicians and choir
People who will be in attendance
Members to renew their relationship w/God
Those who need to form a relationship w/God
Follow-up after the revival

Make today another wonderful Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,

that you should be for salvation

to the ends of the earth.”

~Acts 13:47~

This request for Callie Jo Brunett was written yesterday morning:

Calli Jo Brunett from Loranger.

Tommy and Debbie Brunett’s daughter.

She is a few years older than Savanah, maybe 22 or 23.

She had a cold that turned into pneumonia.

She couldn’t breath and thought she was having a heart attack.

They took her to North Oaks and her oxygen level was only 60.

She was panicking and the doctors put her into a coma and put her on a ventilator.

She has air pockets around the lungs that are bleeding.

They are giving her units of blood.

They have chest tubes in her lungs.

The doctors are running test but have no idea so far.

It all started from a common cold from what they know so far.

Tommy and Debbie are so overwhelmed at this point.

Please pray for them to have faith through this.

And pray that the doctors find out what this is and fix it and get her out of this coma.

This all happened so fast, everybody is just in shock and confused.

I will email you again after I get back from the hospital.

Please forward this to your prayer chains.

Thanks again, Sherie

P.S. These are the Brunetts that have the Old Farmer’s Day in Loranger. Very big close family. They are all in shock right now.

Pray for Hollie K., a local young lady was was a M.K. and who will be leaving in three weeks for eight weeks of training to be a M.K. teacher to four children in West Africa. She will begin her assignment early in January. It has been my pleasure to know family members for years and to become better acquainted with his young lady lately. She will be a great M.K. teacher! I am so excited about what the future holds for her and what she will be able to accomplish in her new position.

October 2008 Prayer Requests and Praises

for Team Bucharest

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Freedom is important to us all. We know many people throughout this world are not free in many ways. BUT the most important freedom most lack is freedom in knowing the Lord as their Savior. Pray for those bound in spiritual darkness to see the light of the Savior and break free from the chains that are holding them in darkness.

Floyd and Freda Angeletti- “You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from Me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed – I, and not some foreign god among you. You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God. Isa 43:10-12

We have so much to praise the Lord for but His word is such a blessing and a special retreat under His hand. As you pray for strength, healing, wisdom, patients, guidance, and blessings, He so often uses His word to provide it in our life.

· Praise Him for those who send special notes of encouragement or information about those we would be concerned for. We praise Him for you and know that you are reading this because you are a prayer warrior. We appreciate you taking time to join us in the battle for souls. Your prayers open many doors and prepare us and them for the word and love of God to be shared.

· Praise the Lord for the 11 ladies in Freda’s new international ladies Bible study. Last week she had women from seven countries. This group frequently grows through October.

· Praise God for the care He takes of His missionaries. We see so many examples of His faithfulness even in what appears to be adversities among our colleagues that we can praise His for His obvious care in accidents, loss of precious loved ones, illness and other circumstances.

· Please praise Him for the growth He is allowing us to see in our university/career group. We surely must sometimes wonder who is growing more, the group or us. It is definitely our blessing.

· Praise the Lord for those who He has called out to come to Romania to serve Him. Pray for them as they prepare for the journey and that leaving family and friends will be a blessing to all.

Our Prayer Request:

· Freda has a flight to Baltimore on October 18. Please pray for strength, protection and safety as she travels. Pray that she will feel well and have peace from the Lord.

· Please pray for Freda as she keeps an appointment October 20 at Johns Hopkins Med Center to see about degenerative discs and a Tarlov cyst in her lumbosacral spine. Surgery has been suggested by two clinics that do not do surgery on Tarlov cyst. Pray for wisdom and understanding for the medical team and Freda during the process of evaluation.

· Pray for Freda as she prepares for the trip. Pray that she will fully accept that the Lord has opened many doors in this process and that He will take care of everything here.

· Pray that the pastor and his wife who have offered to host Freda be blessed by her presence and that the ladies who have offered to drive her will also be blessed for their care. And please pray that Freda will have many opportunities to witness to the church about missions and that every opportunity will glorify God.

· Pray also for Floyd as Freda is going through this process and he remains in Romania. Please pray that he will be a willing and pliable instrument in the Lords hand and that task presently before him will be accomplished in a way that brings glory to God.

· Please pray for the international women’s Bible study. Pray that the Lord will call out those to lead the group and that it may continue to reach out to many who do not know the Lord as well as those who are looking for spiritual guidance and Christian fellowship.

· Pray that the Lord will raise up English speaking Romanians to fill the opportunities we have in several locations to use English as a Foreign Language as an outreach tool.

Thank you for your prayers and for using your faith to left us before His throne.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV

Richard and Wanda Clark (Stringer, Mississippi)-

1. Please pray that we will use our time well in getting ready to leave and that we will make wise decisions about what to take with us, what to sell and what to leave in storage.
2. We will be traveling a lot over the next couple of months. Please pray for our safety and that the Lord will use us as we speak to churches about our ministry in Romania. We will be in Richmond, October 6-12, for training and immunizations.
3. Begin to pray now for us that the Lord will bless us in our language studies when we arrive in Bucharest and that we will be faithful to work hard and be able to communicate with the Romanian people in their language very soon.
4. We also ask that you pray for the church in which we have been serving, as they search for a new pastor and continue the work that the Lord has allowed us to be part of for the last three years.

Roger and Melinda Russell (Belton, Texas) – Thank you for praying for us as we traveled in September. We enjoyed being able to go with Kyle to Union University. We met one of Kyle’s suitemates, Zach who is a MK from West Africa and his mother. We also saw where Jordan lives off campus and checked on him as he continues to recover from his tonsilectomy and the healing of the trach area. Currently Jordan is going to physical therapy for his left shoulder. Somehow during his time in the hospital his left shoulder was injured. Pray it heals correctly and Jordan will be patient as his body recovers.

From Jackson we traveled to Nashville, Erwin, and Maryville Tennessee, Taylors and Easley South Carolina, Jefferson and Williamson, Georgia and Stringer, Mississippi. It was nearly two weeks of traveling but we enjoyed getting to visit with friends we have not seen in awhile and make new friends. It is absolutely amazing how God arranges things. Most of the friends we saw are former colleagues who God called back to the US to minister here. We enjoyed catching up and hearing how God is working in their lives and how he is using them in his ministry. In Erwin TN we enjoyed meeting the members of Calvary Baptist Church and talking about God’s work in Romania. In Georgia we stayed with the Brewer family. Their daughter Sarah stayed with us a couple of times during the past two years in Bucharest. We felt instantly at home with them and with their friends in their house church. They were a blessing to us!! We also were able to see Richard and Wanda Clark in Mississippi and hear how God has been preparing them for returning to Romania in December. It was a great trip!!

On September 10th we attended the missionary appointment service at FBC Jonesboro GA. Eighty-three missionaries were appointed. We were able to see friends appointed. We first met them in 2000 when they came on a mission trip to Romania. Now they are going to South Asia to be used by the Lord in his ministry there.

September 19th we had to opportunity to speak to the WMU at Fellowship Baptist Church in Morgans Point Resort (outside of Belton where we live). We enjoyed an evening of fellowship (great food) and speaking about Romania.

We are looking forward to visiting Jordan and Kyle at Family Weekend at Union University October 3rd-4th. Yes it has only been a month since we have seen them but it is a good time to check on the boys, meet their friends, and take part in the activities during the weekend. Please pray for us as we travel.

October 20th-24th we will be taking part in mission week at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor here in Belton. Pray for God to use us and the other missionaries present as we share about our countries to students and staff at UMHB. We have already met some students that are ready to be used by the Lord here and to the ends of the earth.

October 31-November 2nd we will be at Northway Baptist Church in Angleton for their mission conference. Pray for us as we speak about God’s work in Romania.

Bucharest Christian Academy – Thanks so much for your prayers for BCA! While the ‘critical’ bases are covered (thanks to willing hearts and flexible people) we are still in need of staff members. Our K-12 music, K-12 art, business manager, 7th-12th social studies, and 7th-12th math positions are still available-for you or someone you may know :)! And, it’s not too early to be thinking about next year, when we’ll have elementary positions available too! If you’re looking for an amazing group of colleagues to work with, cool kids to invest your life in, and a bit of adventure BCA may be the place for you! http://www.bcaromania.org

Angela Stamps (Team Romania) is completing missionary orientation. The commissioning service is October 1 for all the missionaries who are at orientation. Angela will return to Dallas on the 2nd and will be there until she leaves on Oct. 16th for Romania (arriving on the 17th).

Prayer requests for Angela…”That I would know how to pack and prepare for the winter months in Romania as I get ready to head over there. This will be my first legitimate winter ever, so I’m a little nervous about it. That’s one thing growing up in the tropics didn’t prepare me for. Also that as I pack, I would have discernment as to what is important for me to take and what I could live without what with all the airplane weight rules and such.”

“My niece was born on September 9th in Irving, Texas. She weighed in at 6lb9oz and 18 in long. Her name is Sahara Xiomara (pronounced Siomara) Stamps. Can you tell both of her parents are MKs? Pray also that I would treasure the time I will have to spend with her and her parents before heading over, but that I would know how to let go in a healthy way.”

Pray for Angela as she prepares for this new adventure with the Lord, as she flies to Romania, gets settled in Bucharest, and learns the Romanian language.

Torch Mission Europe

Pray for Romanian Baptists as they work with other national Baptists reaching the lost of Europe. This month they will be in Brussels, Belgium 11th and 12th and Paris, France 25th-26th.

Love in Christ,

Melinda Russell

Team Bucharest

Website for Team Bucharest and Team Romania- http://www.imbromania.ro

Cottage Prayer Meetings tonight @ 6:30

George Eddie and Alice Fay Lee
Joey and Karen Miller

Pray for the fall revival.

Please feel free to share your praises, requests, and updates so we can all pray.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Monday

“As for me, I will call upon God,

and the Lord shall save me.

Evening and morning and at noon

I will pray, and cry aloud,

and He shall hear my voice.”

~Psalm 55:16-17~

Baptist Press

TENNESSEE–‘See You at the Pole’ gets students praying. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28988

WASHINGTON–ERLC urges stronger tobacco regulation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28989

TEXAS–After Ike, churches assess their future. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28990

OHIO–Ike’s impact felt far beyond Texas, Louisiana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28991

TENNESSEE–‘Hounddog’ movie depicts child rape. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28992

HAWAII–Hawaiian kids claim ‘Outrigger Island.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28993

HAWAII–VBS partnership boosts sister churches. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28994

HAWAII–Mainland church travels to Hawaii for VBS. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28995

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Bob Stith): Did God create Ray Boltz gay? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28996

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Monday, September 29, 2008

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners.” (Isaiah 61:1, HCSB)

Dear Intercessors, this is Debbie Cox of the International Prayer Strategy Office, inviting you to pray for those in prison.

As the big door swung closed and the keys jingled in the lock, the missionary couple and two national partners were secured in the prison for worship and praise. This was the second time in as many months, and familiar faces began coming into the room. After a time of singing, the Living Word was preached in English and Xosa, followed by prayer requests from the inmates. Only after a few hours, did the time of worship, prayers and fellowship end.

Behind these prison walls and doors at Kirkwood Prison in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, are men who know the Lord. Several have come to know Him since arriving in prison, asking forgiveness of the sins and crimes they have committed. Please pray for the group of 25-30 men who come to worship and learn more about God. Pray for those who have a relationship with the Lord; may it continue to grow and mature. Intercede for the Christian prisoners who give leadership in the prison to be bold in their conviction to follow Jesus, stay rooted in His Word, and lead a prayer life that will enable them to be beacons of light in a dark place. May they keep their eyes on Jesus so as not to become discouraged.

Please pray that this, and similar, prison ministries will continue to grow, adding souls to the kingdom of God.

Remember the families of inmates, who face many hardships without a son, husband or father.

Ask God to reveal any specific responsibility you may have in reaching out to those in jail and prison in your community or to their family members.

Deacons for the week

James Miller
Harrell Sharkey

Cottaqe Prayer Meetings @ 6:30 P.M.

Tuesday
George Eddie and Alice Fay Lee
Joey and Karen Miller
Wednesday
Fellowship Hall @ church
Thursday
Andy and Betty Taylor
Mary Young
Friday
David and Anna Lee Alford
Judy Fowler

Fall Revival @ FBC, Kentwood

October 5-8
Sunday @ 10:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
Monday – Wednesday @ 6:30 P.M.
Dr. Preston Nix – Covington
Bro. Daryl Dunigan – Franklinton
Nursery provided for all services
“Ya’ll come!”

Have a marvelous Monday!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“But you shall receive power

when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria,

and to the end of the earth.”

~Acts 1:8~

Aura asked me to forward her note. Please be in prayer for her and the staff in the Mobilization Office at California Baptist University. Pray also for Aura as she takes seminary classes at Golden Gate Seminary.

Thank you!

Melinda

Greetings from California! It has been almost three months since I returned to the States and so much has happened during that time! I have gone back to school and am working on two master’s programs and that has proved to be quite the challenge! I am learning to balance work and being a full time student in 2 grad programs and it’s hard and sometimes impossible.

I started working in the Mobilization Office at California Baptist University. I have been blessed greatly thorugh this opportunity! I primarily work with the International Service Projects(ISP) and we are prayerfully hoping to send out 40 teams of 10 during the summer of 2009. We are also looking at sending 9 teams in the United States this year. Right now we are in the middle of a HUGE mobilization effort. October 1st is the deadline for all who want to be involved in leading a team in the US or abroad(students and staff) and it is also the United States Projects(USP) deadline for students interested in participating. The Lord has been good to us and brought along many wonderful people who will be a great addition to the team, but we still have a great need, especially for leaders! We do a lot of training for leaders and students from January to May, so it is a pretty big time commitment, as well as a financial commitment because leaders have to raise support as well. Please pray that the Lord will send workers…leaders and students who want to go! We have 304 students in the application process right now, but would like to have at least 300 more because we realize from past experiences that not all the students who have started the process will complete it. Pray for those who the Lord is calling, but who are letting the distractions of this world keep them from fullfilling that call!
Pray for our staff. We are under a lot of pressure! Ask that He would give us the wisdom to know who needs to go and who needs to stay. There are students in the process who will clearly be staying behind for now, ask that He will give us discernment! November 1st is the ISP deadline.
We also see the economic state we are in as a nation right now, but know He has called us to this regardless of the state of the economy, so please also pray that our supporters will continue to give. Ask that He will help us to keep our eyes on Him and trust that He is more powerful than we can possibly ever imagine. Ask that He will do great things in order to bring glory to His name! We all feel so blessed to have this amazing privilege of joining Him in this work and want nothing more than to bring glory to His name through the work He has called us to do!

Thank you so much for your prayers!
Be blessed,
aura

A J Hart
(March 24, 1956 – September 25, 2008)

Mr. A J Hart was born March 24, 1956 and passed away at 12:17PM on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was 52, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Independence. A J was the son of Mrs. Helen Johnson & late Ernest Hart of Independence. He is also survived by 3 sons, Brad Hart, Scotty Hart, & Jason Hart of Brookhaven, MS; 3 sisters, Frances Failla, Independence, Geraldine Howell, Loranger & Mary Hart, Hammond; a brother, Willie Hart, Independence; 2 grandchildren, & numerous nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death also by his 2 sisters, Peggy Hart & Sandra Sue Hart.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Pauline Marie Genco Schittone

Pauline Marie Genco Schittone died Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. She was 83, a native of Amite, and a resident of Baton Rouge. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with recitation of the rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visiting continues at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Monday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Entombment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory Mausoleum. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Joseph A. “Joe” Schittone Sr.; a son, Joe “Joey” Schittone, of Washington, D.C.; a daughter, Debby Lane and husband Bill, of Watson; three stepgrandchildren, Chad Lane and wife Donna, Candace Lane and Kyle Lane and wife Crystal; four stepgreat-grandchildren, Taylor, Chase, Kyleigh and Kade Lane; and a brother, Paul Genco, of Amite. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Pauline Genco; sisters, Catherine “Katie” Cuti and Mary Cefalu; and a brother, Sam Genco. Pallbearers will be Chad and Kyle Lane, Charles “Hoyt” Cuti, Greg Genco, Joe Eddie Schittone and Donnie Schittone. Honorary pallbearers are Dominick Cuti, Jack Datz and Carlos Saladras. Special thanks to Dr. Moraes, Dr. Froelich, Dr. Oubre, and the critical care physicians and nurses of the MSCC unit.

On Mission in Kentwood yesterday involved twenty-gout (24) volunteers. It was a very productive cay. Each one of the volunteers made a difference! Thank-you to all who participated.

Women on Mission (WMU) will meet at 4:00 today in the Heritage Room. You are invited to attend.

Cottages prayer meetings will be this week for the fall revival which begins next Sunday. There will be two cottage prayer meeting each night Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. You may choose which one you wish to attend.

BECOMING

The famous actor Gregory Peck was once standing in line with a friend, waiting for a table in a crowded Los Angeles restaurant. They had been waiting for some time, the diners seemed to be taking their time eating and new tables weren’t opening up very fast. They weren’t even that close to the front of the line. Peck’s friend became impatient, and he said to Gregory Peck, “Why don’t you tell the maitre d’ who you are?”

Gregory Peck responded, “No, if you have to tell them who you are, then you aren’t.”

There’s a great deal of wisdom in that statement. There’s a big difference in who we think we are, who others think we are, and who we really are. Someone has well said that, “Reputation is who others think we are. Character is who we really are.” As Christians, we ought to be more concerned with character than with reputation. Christianity is more than just knowing the right facts. It’s more than going through the right motions. It begins in the heart; it’s who we are.

There is a continual process of growing and adding Christ-like virtues to our lives. Peter wrote, “Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” (2 Peter 1:5-8). We never stop “becoming”; it’s an ongoing process. There’s always something positive to add to our lives, always something negative to try to get rid of.

We have different ways of measuring growth. When Sueanne and I would take our children to see the pediatrician, the nurse would always check their height and weight. Then that information was written onto a chart that gave us a picture of how they were growing. When we get to be adults, we measure our growth by whether or not we can fit into last year’s pants.

But how does a person measure his growth in Christianity? In Ephesians 4:15-16, Paul says, “…but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into him who is the head — Christ — from whom the whole body…causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Paul says that it’s time for us to grow up, it’s time for us to mature. But what is the goal of our growth? Jesus Christ is!

My favorite picture of the growth of Christianity is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” Paul says it’s as if we’re holding a mirror in our left hand, and a picture of Christ in our right hand. Now when we look in the mirror and see our reflection, and we then we look at Christ, they don’t look much alike. But every day as we mature, we grow up, we become more like Christ, striving for the day when we look in the mirror and see the reflection of Jesus Christ.

Knowledge, conduct, and character must always go together. We learn God’s will so that we might obey it; and in obeying it, we serve him and grow in Christian character. While none of us is perfectly balanced in these three areas, we ought to strive for that balance.

May God bless you as you seek to “know” His will better, “do” more in service to Him, and “become” more like Jesus Christ!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great day of Bible study, worship, and service this Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee