Category: FBC

Friday

So be careful how you live,

not as fools but as those who are wise.

Make the most of every opportunity

for doing good in these evil days.

Don’t act thoughtlessly,

but try to understand

what the Lord wants you to do.

~Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)~

KOMpray

Kids of Mission Pray

 

Prayer requests

“Let the little children come to Me,

and don’t stop them,

because the kingdom of God

belongs to such as these,”

Luke 18:16b

 

GOD PROVIDES FAMILY

Missionaries show the love of Jesus to lots of people, and they always want the people to learn as much as they can about the Bible. A missionary in Colombia told a mother and her 12-year-old boy about Jesus. Both of them became followers of Christ! In your church when someone accepts Jesus, don’t they get baptized, start going to Sunday School, and learn more about the Bible? Well, this mom and son didn’t get to stay around long enough to learn much. They had to travel to a big city because the 12-year-old was VERY sick. He has to have a liver transplant.

The mom and son went to the city where there was a good hospital. It was the right thing to do, but they didn’t know the city well and they didn’t have any family or friends there. The mom just moved in to the hospital with her son. God is so good. He gave them new friends-new Christian family. The missionary called some friends in the city. They are now taking care of things the mom and son need-they are helping them with things like food and they are teaching them more about Jesus and the Bible.

Please pray for the mother and the boy. They are still waiting for a new liver so the boy can have his surgery. Also pray for the boy’s 9-year-old sister who is staying back home with her grandmother. Thank God that we have Christian family no matter where we are.


MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

I live in Tigoni, Kenya. The people there are poor and live in slums. There are 4 refugee camps my family works at. Pray that the violence will stop as soon as possible so that the camps can close soon. Then the people will get to go back home.

Also pray that school will go well. RACHEL, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for my friend, AG, to believe in God. MATT, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

pray for my sister and pray that we can get a home in Amarika. KORE, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

My friend, Krishna, is a Hindu. He comes to church sometimes. Pray he becomes a Christian. NICK, age 9 (South Asia)

Pray that I can be a friend to the Zambian children around our house and in our town. ISABEL, age 5, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for my studies and sports please pray for me to do well in these things WESLEY, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray that my friend in America will be able to cope with her family breaking up. ANA, age 11 (South Asia)

Please pray that the people in Moscow will not be afraid to share God’s Word.

And pray for many churches to be planted in Moscow. ROBERT, age 12 (Central and Eastern Europe)

There is an urgent prayer request from someone many of you know who is in another country. Please pray!

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 resident of Independence and the son of Mrs. Helen Johnson.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

On Mission in Kentwood will be at 8:00 tomorrow morning. Please plan to join us as we show others we care.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Monday

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

and He inclined to me,

and heard my cry.”

~Psalm 40:1~

 

 

 

Thank God for the great Lord’s Day He provided for us.

 

 

Several people continue to have tests, physical therapy, and other medical procedures. Please pray for them as they. Thank God for the progress some of them have made lately.

 

 

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Craig and Julie Kendrick, who serve in France, learned that they would not be able to be established in the French Social Security System; consequently, they had return to the United States on Aug. 14. Because of serious health and educational concerns regarding their 4-year-old son, they will not be able to return to France. Ask God to shower this family with peace, joy and strength as they proceed through this very difficult time of transition. Please pray for the relationships on the field that God opened up to them, asking that these contacts will continue to develop their relationship with God through other IMB personnel in Paris. Pray for God’s direction for the Kendricks’ future as they make decisions regarding their ministry and family. Pray that their children will make new friends quickly, that they will find good schools that they enjoy, that their transition into their new culture will be smooth, and that their classmates will be excited to know the Lord as they hear the stories of the girls’ recent life in France.

 

 

Darnell Strickland’s mother passed away. I’ll post the obituary when it becomes available. In the meantime, begin to pray for and minister to this family.

 

 

If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.

~Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)~

Kathy Dyer continues to have health concerns. She is now home recovering from surgery. Everyone’s prayers have been greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray for her and our family during this time. Matthew 18:19-20.

Jennifer Dyer

Hello,

I was reading on your site one day about vbs at first bap church,all of a sudden I thought about ritz crackers and grape koolaid and how lovely the teachers were back well over 30 years ago.then I caught myself daydreaming and woke up to say those were the great days that have passed.soooo to all you folks that have a part in vacation Bible School,at kentwood First Baptist Church,just remember a child holds fond those sweet memories that will last a liftime….hats off to all of you and GOD BLESS….Lisa Westmoreland

 

 

Don’t forget to participate in the Prayer Walking opportunity tomorrow morning at 7:30. Meet at the church. As you walk and pray, you will “sow as you go”!

 

 

 

Baptist Press

September 18, 2008

TEXAS–Families, churches pick up pieces after Ike. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28943

TEXAS–HBU adjusts to Ike’s damage. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28944

WASHINGTON–Death penalty for apostasy likely in Iran. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28945

ALABAMA–WMU launches Korean-English resources. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28946

NORTH CAROLINA–Build relationships, campus ministers exhorted. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28947

CALIFORNIA–EDUCATION BRIEFS: Speaker series launched at Golden Gate. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28948

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Art Toalston): Hurricanes, economic upheaval & crisis. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28949

FLORIDA–FIRST-PERSON (David Burton): God’s Plan for Sharing: Jesus calls us to sow as we go. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28950

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer Requests

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

KIDS MAKE GREAT MISSIONARIES

You know, missionaries go to other countries to serve God. Many missionaries are married and have children, so their kids go live in the other country too. Well, did you know that in some places, there are more missionary kids than grown-up missionaries? Wow! The missionaries tell us that the children are very important in their work. For one thing, kids keep them smiling! The babies also get a lot of attention. The local people come up to talk and give the missionaries all kinds of ideas about how to be good parents.

Younger children play with the other children in the neighborhood. That gives missionary parents a chance to get to know their neighbors. How do older children help? They have coaches and teachers at school. Mom and dad missionaries meet the coaches and teachers and tell them about Jesus-if the older children haven’t told them first!

Missionary children know that many of their friends don’t know about Jesus. They are always praying about witnessing to their friends and teachers. Please pray for the neighbors of missionary kids, for their teachers and coaches, and for their good friends. Pray that they will hear the story of Jesus and want Him to be their Savior.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray that my family would continue to do well in Gaborone, Botswana. We recently moved there from Zambia. Please pray for school. MEREDITH, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for my sisters to become believers. I like being a MK (missionary kid) because I get to go to a lot of countrys. COLBY, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray for my neighbor because she is very sick-maybe cancer. DANIELLE, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

I really want to get into Grace (an international school). I also want to make lots of friends. Please pray for me. HOPE, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

I want you to pray for my family because we have to move and don’t know where we will go. Pray that my friends, Sana, Shafar and Nabila, will become believers. Thank you. SAMANTHA, age 10 (South Asia)

Please pray for people in my school that they will stop saying bad words. Also please pray for the Malagasy people. They believe in ghosts and spirits and that their dead ancestors live still. CALEB, age 11, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I live in a city with 6 million people. I have just moved here so I really need your prayer right now so pray for me to get accustomed to such a big city. Pray also for me because the city I live in has a really high crime rate. Thank you for all your prayers and for supporting me, thanks again. NATHAN, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Week of Prayer for the

Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering

“I feel a special calling to assist in the rebuilding of lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” says Kelly. “Because of the great pain endured by so many, a great harvest is ready to be picked for the Kingdom of God.”

“…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “Because our ministry is in a city which experienced such devastation, it would seem that the scripture listed above would take on greater meaning, yet I believe the scriptures speak to a greater purpose of the Church as a whole. As with the scripture we believe and desire to join God in His plan for the nations and follow the role He desires for our particular body of believers,” reflects Kelly.

Kelly O’Connor is the pastor of Carver Baptist Mission Church in New Orleans. This church is housed on the campus of the Carver Baptist Center. “I feel a special calling to assist in the rebuilding of lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” says Kelly. “Because of the great pain endured by so many, a great harvest is ready to be picked for the Kingdom of God.”

While Carver Baptist Mission Church is still in its infant stage, this ministry has witnessed a number of individuals receive Christ as Savior. “As a result of the salvations, we have begun to disciple many who have given their lives to Christ. One individual has really shown consistent growth in his personal character and witness. An example of his personal growth can best be described by his disposition, hunger for God’s Word, and witness to our community. He is now leading others to a relationship with the Lord,” recalls Kelly.

Please pray that lives are genuinely changed in the community surrounding Carver Baptist Mission Church. Pray for leaders who live and value integrity. Also, pray that souls will be saved and that the new believers will be receptive to discipleship.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“God reigns over the nations;

God sits on His holy throne.”

~Psalm 47:8~

Hannah Shockley is home, but will be having additional tests. Please continue to pray for her and her family during this time.

Susan Rimes’ sister, Lisa Davis, has been having some more difficult days lately. Please pray for Lisa and her family to experience God’s presence as He walks through the days with them.

A number of people are undergoing tests for various concerns. Pray for each need.

Opportunities:

  • Share group meeting 2 6:30 tonight at the Alford cabin
  • Prayerwalking in Kentwood @ 7:30 A.M. Saturday
  • OnMission in Kentwood @ 8:00 A.M. Saturday, September 27
  • Cottage prayer meetings for revival the week of September 29
  • Fall Revival at FBC, Kentwood October 5-8; Pray for those who will be in attendance.
  • AWANA is back! 4:50 P.M. Sundays

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Praise the Lord for His wonderful provision! In answer to prayer, God has provided the R family with a place to live during their stateside assignment. (They had to change their dates, and mission housing is usually booked years in advance and can be difficult to find.) He even gave them a home that is near their son’s college! Praise the Lord that nothing is too difficult for Him.

MUSLIMS: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALL. The 12 countries of North Africa and the 288 million people who live in them are overwhelmingly Muslim; however, there are Christians living in each of the countries. Pray for these believers to live sanctified lives that honor Christ and demonstrate His love and holiness to their Muslim family, friends and neighbors. Pray for God to use radio and television broadcasts to introduce His Word and His ways to the Muslims of North Africa. Ask God to raise up an ever-increasing group of visionary, passionate and effective witnesses and church planters to build His kingdom in North Africa. Finally, pray for North Africans to place their faith in Jesus Christ. http://btw.imb.org/

Week of Prayer for

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions

“My life as it was, is no more. My life is now in service to God’s message of the Gospel,” reflects Randy. “…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “My life as it was, is no more. My life is now in service to God’s message of the Gospel,” reflects Randy.

Randy Smith is the church planter for Cross Brand Cowboy Church in Robert. He preaches God’s Word in a western atmosphere. “This ministry is built around horses, roping, and bucking bulls,” says Randy.

Cross Brand Cowboy Church is reaching many unchurched individuals because of the cowboy activities that it offers. “Larry, who was unchurched, started coming to Cowboy Church because he liked to rope steers. He came to know Jesus as Lord and is now at church every Sunday,” recalls Randy.

Please pray for a permanent building site for Cross Brand Cowboy Church. Also, pray for the lost people in the western culture. Ask God for guidance as the leadership plants this church for God!

Baptist Press

September 17, 2008

TENNESSEE–Media takes note of Baptist disaster relief. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28936

TEXAS–Ike keeps Baptists in the kitchen. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28937

TEXAS–ANALYSIS: Market drop not a time for panic. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28942

COLORADO–ELECTION 08: Colo. ‘personhood’ amendment would answer question Roe posed. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28938

TEXAS–Engineers examine HBU complex; ETBU hunkered down for Ike. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28939

TENNESSEE–He introduces Jesus into the conversation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28940

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON: Using ‘GPS’ to engage others for Christ. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28941

TEXAS–Baptists gear up to 500,000 meals a day. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28935

KNOWING, DOING, BECOMING

I heard about a story about a man whose wife wanted to buy a pet monkey. The husband protested strongly. He said, “Where will the monkey eat?” She said, “He’ll eat at the table with us.” He said, “But what will he eat?” And she said, “He’ll eat the same thing we do.” He said, “But where will the monkey sleep?” She said, “He’ll sleep in bed with us.” He said, “But what about the smell?” She said, “I got used to you, I reckon he will, too.”

So often when we think about the need for change, we are quick to think of ways that somebody else needs to change. We are much more hesitant to recognize that there are problems in our own life that need to be dealt with. But Christianity is a growing process, a process by which we are constantly looking for those things that need to be changed and improved, and then taking steps to do just that.

In the next several TFTD messages, I want to share with you some things that relate to changes that may need to come about in your individual lives. They are certainly changes that I’d like to see in my own life. In regard to our Christian lives, I think there are three areas that we need to focus on — we need to KNOW the will of God better, we need to DO more of the work of Christ, and we need to BECOME more like Christ.

Knowing, doing and becoming — I really think those are the three pillars of the Christian life. I believe that’s what Christianity is all about.

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10).

Do you see the ideas of knowing, doing and becoming in Paul’s prayer for the Colossians? In my next message, I’ll begin a closer look at each of these points.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Please feel free to share praises, requests, and updates. We would love to pray with you.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Never tell your neighbors

to wait until tomorrow

if you can help them now.

~Proverbs 3:28 (TEV)~

Week of Prayer for

Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering

Day 4- Jeff Hoffman

“God has called us to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of those around us. We are seeking to apply this revelation by keeping our eye on the poor and the lost souls we come in contact with daily,” reflects Jeff. “…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “God has called us to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of those around us. We are seeking to apply this revelation by keeping our eye on the poor and the lost souls we come in contact with daily,” reflects Jeff.

Jeff Hoffman is the pastor/church planter at Second Chance Church in Arcadia. This body of believers seeks to reach and disciple ex-offenders for Christ. “When released from jail, persons have a difficult time transitioning into society. We try to minister to them spiritually and help restore them as productive citizens in the community,” says Jeff.

“A man recently released from jail was touched by our ministry. We made a connection with Jim through our jail ministry when he accepted Jesus as His Savior. He was very faithful to our ministry while in jail. Since his release we have helped him with life skills, family relationships, and discipleship. We’re helping him find work in the service industry and a place to live,” states Jeff.

Please pray for the leaders as they seek to provide Jim spiritual support in the days following his release. Also, pray for his daily walk with the Lord. Pray for people to be born again and to establish an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that those ministered to by Second Chance Church will reestablish healthy relationships with their families. Pray for Jeff and other ministry leaders as they commit to accountability for themselves and for the new believers.

In connection with the Georgia Barnette Offering FBC, Kentwood will have a prayerwalk Saturday morning at 7:30 A.M. Fell free to join us as we pray for our community and our state.

I hope you will be able to find time to read some of these articles. You’ll learn of damage to Louisiana churches and possible future plans for the people. You also read comments for people you may know such as Lonnie Wascom and J.P. Miles.

Baptist Press

September 16, 2008

LOUISIANA–After Ike, churches ponder their future. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28928

TEXAS–Ike’s toll continues to unfold. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28929

GEORGIA–Hungry Georgians fed 14,000 meals by volunteers. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28930

LOUISIANA–In Baton Rouge, recovery continues. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28932

TEXAS–Houston Baptist Univ. damages: $8-10M & up. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28931

OKLAHOMA–Ray Sanders resigns Oklahoma convention posts. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28933

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Ken Weathersby): Who’s in your wallet? Laying a prayer foundation for evangelism. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28934

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Monday

Whoever wants to be great

must become a servant.

~Mark 10:43 (MSG)~

 

 

Hurricane Ike

My daughter Krista returned me to DeRidder this afternoon. I stayed with her & her family on Vernon Lake during Hurricane Ike. My yard is covered with limbs & it blew over one VERY tall pine tree. Everything is okay, otherwise. We made TWC last night when they gave a tornado warning for 8 pm for Anacoco and areas around Toledo Bend. They were correct because the weather was bad for a short time. My house was without electricity for about 10 hrs which was very good.

Please continue to pray for the people in the Houston-Galveston area. We have friends & relatives in that area. Some we have heard from but some we have not because of the lack of electicity.

thanks for praying
Frann Smith ClarMy daughter Krista returned me to DeRidder this afternoon. I stayed with her & her family on Vernon Lake during Hurricane Ike. My yard is covered with limbs & it blew over one VERY tall pine tree. Everything is okay, otherwise. We made TWC last night when they gave a tornado warning for 8 pm for Anacoco and areas around Toledo Bend. They were correct because the weather was bad for a short time. My house was without electricity for about 10 hrs which was very good.

Please continue to pray for the people in the Houston-Galveston area. We have friends & relatives in that area. Some we have heard from but some we have not because of the lack of electicity.

thanks for praying
Frann Smith Clark

Missionary’s Dad, Charlie Banks

I’m forwarding an e-mail from Wes about his dad’s condition. Please pray as Mr. Banks has surgery today.

Thank you for praying.
Jennie


Greetings family, friends, colleagues and prayer partners,
We praise God upon every remembrance of you and the faithful prayers offered on behalf of our family. We want to inform, update and clarify all the information about the events here in Bucuresti. We thank you in advance for your continued love, prayers and concern.Friday, Sept 12, Dad and Mom (Charlie and Carolyn Banks) arrived in Bucuresti to visit and be on mission with us for two weeks. Shortly after leaving the airport, we were in a head-on collision in Bucuresti. The only family member suffering from injuries was Dad. He has a femur fracture to his left leg. This is the “stiff leg” that suffered injuries over 40 years ago. The fracture splintered and the injury requires a rod or plate to be inserted in the leg. God has already worked mightily in our midst. Praise Him. We thank Him. Dad still needs many prayers. He was moved from the Romanian hospital and is now resting comfortably in the Euroclinic. At the moment, they are monitoring his pace maker, blood sugar, watching for infection, and cellulitis. Dad has many risks —BUT we know the Great, Almighty physician and healer! His surgery is schedule for 4pm (Romania), which will be 9am (EST). We will try to update as soon as Dad is in recovery. He appreciates and needs your prayers. God is giving us strength in the weak hours.

We all know that He has not abandoned us, but is leading us triumphantly through this trial. To God be the Glory — Great and Mighty things He has already done for Dad in the last 59 hours and all 69 years!

We thank you all for the phone calls and emails, however, at this time we can not respond personally to each of them. Know that they bless our spirits from across the world. If you would like to send Dad a note, we will print the emails to read to him at the clinic.

Continue praying and remember to pray on your way to work tomorrow.
May the prayers of the saints be a sweet smelling incense to the Father’s heart.

We will not shrink back, The Banks Family
IMB/ Team Romany
Www.teamromany.com

The surgery will be at 8 A.M. Central Time.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Please lift up all the children of missionaries who are beginning another year of school, praying for their continued growth “in favor with God and man.” Some are settling into boarding school dormitories, and others are studying at local international schools. Many others are being homeschooled. Let’s also pray that their parents and teachers will have wisdom, love and grace to guide them during these formative years.

The monthly share group meeting will be Thursday at 6:30 at the Alford cabin. Come join us for a time of fellowship, food, and devotional study.

Saturday at 7:30 A.M. you will have an opportunity to prayerwalk in Kentwood. Come pray for residents of our city, parish, and state.

 

 

 

A Light Rising in the Darkness

Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering

Week of Prayer for State Missions: September 14-21, 2008

State Goal: $1,600,000.00

FBC, Kentwood Goal: $7,500.00

Day 1- Miguel Barrios

Day 1″…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “The growing Hispanic community is very much in need of ministries to meet their basic requirements. If we will see to meeting the needs of this community, then our good deeds will serve as a light calling the Hispanic Community to Christ,” reflects Miguel.

Miguel Barrios is a Hispanic missionary in North Louisiana. Louisiana partners with the North American Mission Board to support his work here in Louisiana. Miguel’s focus is the I-20 area. He plans and starts new Hispanic missions and ministries. Miguel also provides training for Hispanic core groups and leadership. In addition, he provides leadership and mentorship for Hispanic churches, missions, and ministries.

In the town of Bernice, Miguel has seen the grace of God work through his ministry to impact the life of the Garcil, Ganez, and Arias families. Miguel’s ministry has not only shown redemption to these families, but also it has encouraged a social and economic lift. Through ESL, and other ministries to the Hispanic communities, these families have found employment.

Please pray for the ministry among the Hispanic community in North Louisiana. Pray for Miguel’s family and their need for grace to carry out the ministry. Also, pray for divine opportunities to spread the gospel of Christ.

Day 2- Becky Clausen

Day 2″…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “This verse applies to our ministry in a variety of ways. Clothes/household goods are given to the needy. Help with children’s homework, GED classes, and English classes are provided to those struggling. Bible study, counseling, mentoring, rehab opportunities, friendship, and fellowship opportunities are provided to the spiritually hungry and/or oppressed,” reflects Becky.

Becky Clausen is the director of the multi-housing ministry at Parkview Baptist in Baton Rouge. “The uniqueness of our ministry is that we go to the people.We minister to tenants of multi-housing communities in their home and through activities on our church campus. We share the gospel, teach the Word, provide activities, mentor, and meet spiritual and physical needs of individuals and families,” says Becky.

God’s love is being poured into the multi-housing facilities in the Baton Rouge area. “A young mother of three gave her life to the Lord and has put plans in motion to enter rehab this month. This journey began with her children participating in our “Homework Help” program that led to her coming to “the works” breakfast at our campus on Sunday mornings followed by worship,” recalls Becky.

Please pray for God to get all the glory and Jesus to receive more rewards of His suffering. Pray also for more individuals to volunteer for this harvest. Ask God to give other churches the vision to begin a multihousing ministry as part of their outreach programs.

KneEmail
Day

HAVING A BAD day…?

This morning you woke up tired and grumpy, and things haven’t gone right from that moment. You took the dog out and he wouldn’t come back in, so you spent a lot of time coaxing him in the house. Either you didn’t have time for breakfast, or it burned. Traffic on the way to work was horrific. Now you’ve opened up your computer, and it’s giving you one of those messages that you can’t interpret but you know means you can’t do your work until you find out what’s wrong.

We all have days that go awry, ones where we’d like to be able to go back to bed, pull the covers over our heads, and sleep away twenty-four hours. It’s hard to recognize on tough days that this, too, is a day God made and one He made to benefit us. But unless the day is already gone, it’s not beyond repair. Turn around your less-than-impressive day by giving it back to God (Pamela McQuade).

“This is the day which the LORD has made,

we will rejoice and be glad in it”

(Psm. 118:24).

Have a great Monday!

Anna Lee

Monday

The annual Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Battist Children’s Home is requesting the following items:

Ziplock Bags (gallon/quart)
Mayonnaise
Salad Dressing (Ranch, Italian, Thousand Island)
Pickles
Flour ( Plain & Self Rising)
Sugar
Pancake Mix
Meal (Plain & Self Rising)
Grits (Regular & Instant)
Oatmeal (Regular & Instant)
Cake, Cookie & Brownie Mix
Cake Frosting
Foil, Plastic Wrap, Wax Paper

Cleaning Supplies
Paper Towels
Tea (Regular & Decaf)
Fruit Juice
Spices
Cooking Oil
Kool-Aid & Lemonade
Cream Soups
Instant Potatoes
Hamburger Helper
Canned Pie Filling
Canned Fruit
Cereal
Barbeque Sauce

Ketchup
Syrup
Canned Meats
Chocolate Syrup
Deodorant
Canned Vegetables
Kleenex
Onion Soup Mix
Chicken Broth
Beef Broth
Condensed Milk
Crackers
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap

Dishwashing Powder
Bath Soap
Hairspray
Deodorant
Feminine Products
Biscuit Mix
Furniture Polish
Cooking Spray
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body Lotion
Cupcake Liners
Microwave Popcorn
Splenda
Toilet Paper

Any of these items can be turned in at FBC by the September 22 collection day. Thank you for sharing with the children who live at LBCH.

Deacons for the week at FBC, Kentwood:

Larry Miller

Henry McKenzie

Kid’s Choir at FBC, Kentwood will begin Wednesday night at 6:30 in the choir room under the direction of Wendy A. Fowler. The children will begin work on “Miracle on Main Street” which will be performed in December.

The associational senior adult revival will be Sept. 15-18 at the following churches:

Monday – Montpelier

Tuesday – Lewiston

Wednesday – Greensburg

Daphne G. Brown
Age 87, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Daphne passed away peacefully at Hammond Nursing Home on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. Daphne was a native of Castor, a resident of Hammond for the past 20 years and lived most of her younger adult life in Amite. A true homemaker indeed, she was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking, sewing, gardening, flower arranging and even “acting” in a movie from time to time; however, she always made time for volunteer work in her community. She was known as a highly educated person without a degree, for her favorite pastime was reading – a library book, a magazine, the Bible or whatever she could find. Daphne and her surviving husband, Edward L. Brown, were married on April 5, 1939, and have had 69 beautiful years together. She is also survived by a daughter, Carolyn Brown Spiller and her husband, Dr. Edmund Spiller, of Hammond; granddaughter, Beth Sanders Scamardo, of Pumpkin Center; and grandsons, Greg L. Duoos, of Mandeville, and Douglas D. Brown, of Hammond. She also leaves behind two great-granddaughters, Dara Daphne Stewart and Gwen Brown; along with five great-grandsons, Zach Stewart, Ian Scamardo, Avery Scamardo, Gareth Brown and Wiliam Brown. Surviving siblings are Mary Helen Ellzey, of McComb, Miss., Edna Faye Joseph, Natchez, Miss., and Pope Emmitt Godfrey, of Forest, Miss. Preceding Daphne in death were her daughter, Janice M. Brown; brothers, Dalton and Marshall Godfrey; and parents, Thomas Aaron and Bertha Guin Godfrey. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral service at the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, west of Hammond, on Monday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. Visiting hours on Sunday, Sept. 7, were observed at the funeral home from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Monday from 9 a.m. until service time. Daphne’s nephew, Cedric Parsons, lay minister, of Houston, will officiate the service. Interment in Holly Gardens Cemetery. The family expresses “special thanks” to the wonderful staff at Hammond Nursing Home, North Oaks Geriatric Rehabilitation, third floor medicine unit at North Oaks Medical Center, especially Rick Thomas, R.N., and to Brandon and Martha Thompson along with their staff at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home. Condolences and information are available online at http://www.bgthompsonfuneralhome. com.

Baptist Press

September 5, 2008

HAITI–Storms kill 150, destroy crops in Haiti. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28842

FLORIDA–Florida disaster relief teams bracing for Ike. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28849

LOUISIANA–After Gustav’s chaos, Baptists bring reassurance. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28850

MINNESOTA–McCain’s pastor, a Southern Baptist, prays at RNC. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28843

MEXICO–Mexico high court upholds abortion law. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28844

TENNESSEE–CULTURE DIGEST: College presidents reignite drinking age debate. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28845

GEORGIA–Marriages nurtured despite Hurricane Fay. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28846

GEORGIA–Speakers encourage ‘Fireproof’ marriages. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28847

NORTH CAROLINA–FIRST-PERSON (Nathan A. Finn): Gender and the vice presidency. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28848

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer requests

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

EVERYONE IS GOING TO SCHOOL!
Just like you, many children around the world have just gone back to school. Kids in Russia did, and now have a special chance to tell their school buddies about their new friend. Weeks ago, you prayed for children in a summer camp and some of them accepted Jesus as Savior. Please pray for these Russian children-they can tell their school friends about their newest friend and Savior, Jesus. Pray they will be brave enough to tell their friends.

I go to an International School where there are a lot of people of different religions. Please pray that these kids will come to know Jesus like we do.

Also please pray for my brother. His best friend just recently began to swear and hang out with some really bad kids.

And please pray that my grandmother will get the right treatments for her breast cancer. JASMINE, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I go to a school where most of the people are religious but they don’t live a Christian life. Please pray for them to know the Lord. Also please pray for the government. KIRSTEN, age 13, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for my neighbors go to church more often. Pray too that I will make friends. SOPHIE, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

The people in the bush of Angola believe in witchcraft and cults. I pray that these lost people will be touched by the Holy Spirit. I also pray for the province of Cunene. It has had MAJOR flooding and they have way dirty drinking water. Please pray for the thousands who are dying lost every day.

Also pray for us missionaries that we will be able to do God’s work and not ‘lean on our own understanding.’ Pray that we will rely on Him. IONA, age 13, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Ask God to help my grandfather to get better. JAMES, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

For the People Who do not Know God to Know Him. JOSEPHINA, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray that more people in Argentina will come to Christ especially in Corrientes and in my neighborhood. Also, pray that I will find a great friend close to home here who is already a Christian so I don’t miss my friends in Dallas so much. SAMUEL, age 11 (South America)

I live in Botswana, the people speck Setswana and English. You can pray for the HIV Aids to go down. BLANTON, age 12, (Central Eastern Southern Africa)

My prayer request is that I need God in all aspects of my life like school. GABE, age 14 (Pacific Rim)

My best friend’s mom in Tennessee used to have breast cancer but the dr’s did not remove it all and now she has Stage 4 cancer in 2 or 3 places on her body. Please pray for a miracle to happen. ALYSSA, age 10 ½ (South Asia)

My family just moved so we need to get moved in. Please pray for us that we make new friends, make the house feel like home, and share Jesus. HANNAH, age 11 (Pacific Rim)


LEARNING FROM TREES

 

The following (edited) article is entitled “All I Need To Know About Life I Learned From Trees” (author unknown)

It’s important to have roots.

In today’s complex world, it pays to branch out.

If you really believe in something, don’t be afraid to go out on a limb.

Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows.

Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.

Grow where you’re planted.

It’s perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.

Avoid people who would like to cut you down.

Get all spruced up when you have a hot date.

If the party gets boring, just leaf.

You can’t hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.

It’s more important to be honest than poplar.

Those are some good lessons. They remind me of some other lessons taught in Psalm 1:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

The Psalmist says that a godly man is like a tree in three very important ways. First, he is planted — he’s got his roots put down deep, he’s fortified, stable. Second, he bears fruit — he develops godlike qualities in his character and life. Third, he doesn’t wither — he is able to survive under all circumstances, even days of difficulty.

May your spiritual life take on the qualities on a tree planted by the rivers of water.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows.

That could be the Hurricane Gustav thougth for the week!

Anna Lee

Friday

You are better off to have a friend

than to be all alone . . . .

If you fall, your friend can help you up.

But if you fall without having a friend nearby,

you are really in trouble.

~Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (CEV)~

Pray for the people of the Gulf Coast region as they make preparations for Hurricane Gustav.

Pray for Kyle Brabham as he returns to the doctor today to possible get some stitches removed.

There have been many names listed on The Prayer Link in the last few weeks. Many of the needs still exist. Please continue to pray for the needs of these people.

Pray for those who will receive a blessing from volunteers who participate in On Mission in Kentwood. Pray for those who will receive a blessing as they participate in On Mission in Kentwood.

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

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Have you ever heard that phrase: beauty is in the eye of the beholder? What does that mean? I can think something is beautiful when I look at it. Then you look at the same thing…and you don’t think it’s beautiful at all.

In Africa there is a country called Sudan. The Dinka people of Sudan have a different idea about beauty than I do. The idea isn’t wrong, but it’s definitely different. Listen to what happens when some missionaries visit their Dinka friends.

The missionaries are single women, and their friends in the US say they are beautiful. Not the Dinka women. They feel sorry for these single missionaries. They think no one will ever want to marry these young women. Why? Because they have a big problem. What is it? The young women still have their four front teeth on the bottom! The Dinka women say they will help the missionaries pull these four teeth!

Different groups of people have different ideas, don’t they? These Dinka women also have different ideas about how Jesus loves us. They think they have to pray to their dead relatives. They try to do everything they can to keep their dead relatives happy. Ask God to help these young missionaries show the Dinka people what it means to love Jesus.


MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

I love living on my island. It is sunny and beautiful all year round. We (my family and I) share the love of Jesus with all the people of our island. Many of my friends are Hindu or Muslims and don’t know Jesus. Please pray for my friends to know Jesus died for them and love them. Also please pray for my allergies and eczema problems. Thank you. Love you. We will pray for you also. Love, DREW, age 4, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Will you pray for my family? Pray for us to have a good time of service here and for us to have a good time back in America (on stateside assignment). BETHANY, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for my big sister who goes to college now. Pray that both of us will do good in school. BONNIE, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

My mom had a miscarriage and my brother has a rash. Please pray they will get better. CAITLYN, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray that my mother does not get stuck in the mud again! Please pray that the people will understand the Bible. MYA, age 8 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for my friends down the street that they will start going to church with us. SADIE, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray for my family-Mom, Dad, brother, sister and me. Could you also please pray for all the people in the U.S.A.?-just so I know that they are all still safe and protected. Thank you. Yours sincerely: ZEB, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My uncle was riding his bicycle in America and fell off. A car passed by and hurt him. We prayed for him and now he is ok. Thank God for that. RICK, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray for me with my school. I’m having a hard time. AUSTIN, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

MUSIC AND MISSIONS

LifeWay has partnered with the International Mission Board to create the 2008-2009 Passport to Adventure. Music and missions are paired as you travel around the globe, learning how missionaries share Jesus with the world. And how you can, too! Visit http://www.Lifeway.com/cms


Passing On the Blessing

A girl who received an Operation Christmas Child shoe box while an orphan in Russia has the opportunity to deliver gifts to children in Ecuador. She tells her story on CNN.

Tanya knew nothing of love when she was growing up in Russia. Her parents abused her and then abandoned her when she was 8. She was separated from her brother and sister, and taken to a bleak orphanage.

“The orphanage provided a house and food, but the teachers were discouraging to me,” she said. “They basically told me that nobody loved me and nobody cared for me.”

Then one day, when Tanya was 10, her despair turned to joy. Operation Christmas Child came to the orphanage with gift-filled shoe boxes for all of the children. Tanya eagerly opened her box, and discovered a teddy bear, school supplies, and many other wonderful things.

“It was very special to me,” she said. “It was the first gift I ever received. My parents never bought me a gift. Money was always spent on alcohol.”

The most important thing in the box was a letter from the family that had packed it. This was proof that her teachers were wrong.

“People who didn’t know me and had never met me were telling me how much they cared for me,” she said. “The shoe box gave me hope.”

Tanya, along with her brother and sister, was later adopted by a family in America. They now live in St. Louis.

Nearly nine years later, Tanya still vividly remembers the moment she felt God’s love through the gift-filled shoe boxes.

“It’s amazing what Operation Christmas Child can do,” she said.

She wants other children to experience the same joy, so she and her family pack shoe boxes each year.

Tanya recently had an opportunity to pass on the blessing personally when she traveled to Ecuador with a Samaritan’s Purse Youth team. The 20 teenagers delivered Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes and participated in other Samaritan’s Purse ministry projects.

“It was special,” she said. “It was amazing how happy they looked to get these simple things. I was glad to be a part of it.”

REVENGE OR KINDNESS?

Year ago, on the mighty Mississippi River, two tugboat captains who had been friends for years, would always cry “Aye!” and blow their whistles whenever they passed each other.

A new crewman asked his boat’s mate, “What do they do that for?”

The mate looked surprised and replied, “You mean that you’ve never heard of… an aye for an aye and a toot for a toot?”

I suspect that few of us would admit to living by the motto, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Matthew 5:38), but let’s be honest — there is something instead us that enjoys the idea of getting revenge. Some of the more popular movies throughout the past years have been those that opened with someone being mistreated. We spend the rest of the movie anxiously waiting for the hero to get the opportunity to exact his revenge — and then we cheer!

It’s not much different on a personal level. I suspect that whenever somebody does you wrong, the temptation is there to immediately start thinking of what you can do to get them back. But, if you find yourself tempted to take revenge, may I suggest two things:

(1) Resist the temptation to exchange evil for evil. That temptation will always be strong and we need realize that it will be there. But we also need to remember the emptiness and hollowness of revenge and resentment.

(2) Show your enemy kindness. Abraham Lincoln was once accused of being too nice to his enemy. He was told to be firmer; he must destroy his enemies. He replied, “I do destroy them when they become my friends.”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:43-44)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

May you realize God’s blessings on your life today.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“The Lord has heard my supplication;

the Lord will receive my prayer.”

~Psalm 6:9~

The Alford baby passed away. I’ll post an obituary when one is available.

Editorial, Hammond Daily Star

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:15 AM CDT

As Hurricane Gustav approaches, now is the time for families to review their emergency plans in the event they may have to put them into effect. Now, as always, is also a good time for prayer.

Poignant are the words of the Most Rev. Maurice Schexnayder (1895-1981), second bishop of Lafayette, who authored a prayer for safety against hurricanes many years ago:

“O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed Your order and returned to its former quietude. You are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control: the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land, and spread chaos and disaster.

“During this hurricane season we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with passing of time…Amen.”

 

Hurricane Gustav

You may use the link below to track the hurricane and get needed information.

http://media.myfoxtampabay.com/myfoxhurricane/

On Mission in Kentwood will be this Saturday. Meet at the church at 8:00 A.M. for a quick breakfast and an assignment. If you would like to volunteer, please contact First Baptist Church or me. If you know of a project for the volunteers, you may also contact the church or me. Come join in and receive a blessing.

Dr. and Mrs. Steve Bryan have just moved to Austin, Texas where their daughter Anna lives. Pray for the Bryans as they make the adjustment to living in a new area.

Baptist Press

August 27, 2008

COLORADO–While Denver parties, witnesses impact eternity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28784

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers decry APA denial of abortion-depression link. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28785

UGANDA–Gospel message met with joyful ‘trill.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28786

UGANDA–Senior duo adds to 70-plus mission trips. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28787

LOUISIANA–Katrina, after 3 years, remains mission opportunity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28788

(Friday is the three year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.)

FLORIDA–FIRST-PERSON (Christine Sneeringer): No longer lesbian. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28789

KneEmail

Mike Benson

Storm

JESUS TOLD THE twelve to get into a boat on the Sea of Galilee…

As they started across the sea, everything was smooth and calm, and Jesus went to sleep. Suddenly a huge wind blasted on the sea and the boat began to be swamped with water. They awakened Jesus in great fear and said, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (v. 24). They believed they were going to die right there on the water. Jesus woke up and told the wind and water to be still, and instantly the sea was as smooth as glass. At this point Jesus turned to the disciples and asked, “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). The disciples were now terrified, not of the storm that had stopped, but of the One who stopped the storm.

Why were they suddenly afraid? They had already witnessed so much power from Jesus. What was different on this occasion? The difference was that is was their storm. They were the ones in the boat this time. It was their lives on the line. They knew Jesus could take of the storms in someone else’s life, but it was an entirely different issue when it was personal. People tend to do this all the time. Spiritual lives are destroyed because of the storm of family problems, or the storm of past sin, or the storm of sickness, or the storm of money troubles, ad infinitum. It is easy to tell someone else that they need to trust God to take care of them, but what about when it is my boat that is sinking? What do we do?

If Jesus is with you, outside influences cannot enslave you, nor can they sink your boat (Rom. 8:31-39). Outside influences cannot take away eternity as long as you weather the storm. They may make life more difficult here, but they will not defeat you unless you allow them to do so. Jesus Himself suffered more than any of us, yet He was victorious because His focus was on God’s eternal plan, not the immediate storm of life. The next time you are facing a storm, remember that He needs to be in the boat first, and then you will be successful in weathering whatever storm you are facing. (Terry Frizzell)

“But He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’

And they were afraid, and marveled,

saying to one another, ‘Who can this be?’

For He commands even the winds and water,

and they obey Him!”

~ Luke 8:25 ~

Be prepared for the possible storm.

Anna Lee