Category: FBC

Tuesday

For I’m already being poured out like a drink offering,

and the time has come for my departure.

I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.

~2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Sharon Martin’s sister, Elaine (almost 50), had an angiogram Sunday morning. She good news is that her blockage did not require surgery or stints. She will be treated with medication. Pray for Elaine as she makes some adjustments in her life to help prevent additional heart problems.

Sharon Martin tripped in a hole and fell as she was going into the hospital Sunday morning for Elaine’s procedure. She is thankful she did not break anything.


John W. Notariano
(October 29, 1960 – June 2, 2008)

Mr. John W. Notariano, 47, died June 2, 2008 at the Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, McComb, Ms.

Other arrangements are incomplete at this time.
McKneely-Vaughn Funeral Home


Juanita Morris Guerin

Mrs. Juanita Morris Guerin died Sunday, June 1, 2008, at her home in Amite. She was a former employee of Domino’s Pizza and a native of Mount Hermon. Her survivors include her husband, Thomas Guerin; children, Ray Tresch, Sidney Tresch, Kim Mooney, Steve Tresch, Sandy Jarreau and Karen Tresch; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Gwen Chustz, Tammy Lynn Guerin, Julie Simmons, Troy Guerin and JoNell Vessier; sisters, Cora Lawson, Elaine Penton, Effie Reinike and Christine Quinn; and brother, Thomas Morris. Preceded in death by her first husband, Sidney Tresch Sr.; and parents, Clinton M. and Edna Patrick Morris. Arrangements by Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond. Condolences may be expressed online at http://www. geislerfuneralhome.net.

Deacon Hospital Visitation

  • Jesse Dean
  • David Alford

 

 

KneEmail

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

Today

BEFORE ENTERING THE broadcasting field, Jim Valvano led the North Carolina State University basketball team to a national championship…

Then cancer developed in his lower back. Invited to address the Duke University squad, Jim had this to say: “Life changes when you least expect it to. The future is uncertain. So, seize this day, seize this moment, and make the most of it.”

God gives us an urgent directive in Hebrews 3:13, “Exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Why is there such a strong insistence on today?

It may be that today, this very day, could be the last one in our time here on earth. Today may be your last opportunity to obey God’s plan of salvation, or to share His love with a friend or loved one.

James has this warning about presuming upon our tomorrows: “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (4:14).

Seize the opportunities that God gives you today. That’s sound advice-not just for basketball players, but for all of us. (Vernon C. Grounds)

“You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (Jas. 4:14).

Thursday

At my first defense,

no one came to my support,

but everyone deserted me.

May it not be held against them.

But the Lord stood at my side

and gave me strength ….

2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NIV)

James Rimes said John Nototoria had surgery at SMMH and was in stable condition. Please continue to pray for him.

Ms. Jason “Bully’ Schwartz as been ill a number of times lately. He is not receiving care in Amite. Please pray for him, his family, and those caring for him.

Lisa Davis, sister of Susan Rimes, continues to need our prayers. Lisa lives in Arkansas.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Goal: $13,000.00

Received: $13, 030.30

Deacons for the Week

Tom Tolar

Raymond Cutrer

Nursery Volunteers for Sunday

Velma Anthony

Jill Brister

Patty Hoffstadt

Emily Daniels

Baby Shower

Elisabeth H. Daniels

Sunday, June 1

2-4 P.M.

FBC, Fellowship Hall

Bridal Shower

KK Womack, Bride-elect of Job Hulkaby

Sunday, June 8

2 P.M.

FBC, Fellowship Hall

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


IN AUGUST OF 1799 a Frenchman named Bouchard discovered an ancient stone near the town of Rosetta, in Egypt, about thirty miles from Alexandria…

The stone contained inscriptions in two languages, Egyptian and Greek, and they were written in three different alphabets, including Greek and Egyptian hieroglyphic, a kind of writing using pictures as symbols.

Prior to the discovery of the stone, linguists were limited in interpreting hieroglyphics, for they had no key to their meaning. But now, with this passage in hand which contained the same words in hieroglyphics and in the known language of Greek, scholars were able by comparison to establish the meaning of the hieroglyphic signs and thus to read other Egyptian inscriptions written in hieroglyphics. The Rosetta stone, then provided the means of knowing what those ancient Egyptian writers had to say.

THOUGHT: In a similar way, the Bible serves as the Rosetta stone for knowing what God has to say, a message which we could not know without the Bible, for only through it does God communicate with man. By reading and studying it man can learn what God wants him to do for his happiness and salvation. (John Parker)

“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:10-13).

Have a wonderful day. Please feel free to share praises, requests, and updates to be shared on The Prayer Link.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Blessed be God,

who has not turned away my prayer,

nor His mercy from me!”

~Psalm 66:20~

Thank you for your continued prayers. I am improving daily. Go to see the neurosurgeon Wednesday and hope he has something else we can try. Still having difficulty walking because it hurts to put pressure on my left leg. My bag hurts if I stand too long-like cooking.

Riley continues to decline in his ability to do things. Continues to be pleasant and eats & sleeps well.

I am thankful for the beautiful sunny days but it is a little HOT in DeRidder and even hotter when the AC goes out. Thankful that we had a nice man who would get out on a Saturday of a Memorial Day Weekend & repair the AC. Surely did help my myasthenia. It was beginning to be a little uncorporative because heat & myasthenia don’t get along too well.
thanks for your prayers
Frann Smith Clark


JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (joh-HAHN-is-burg). “A Deaf believer shared her story of a recent encounter during a week-long literacy training seminar,” writes the Deaf Evangelism Team. “When one Deaf man mocked his Christian friend, she jumped in, saying that she was a believer too. The Christian friend tried to share the story about Paul from Acts 8 but mixed up some of the details. She shared the full story about Paul’s testimony with them, and the man who had mocked then said that every story from the Bible being told in sign language should be videotaped so that every Deaf person will ‘see’ God’s Word in a new light. God is moving, as a group of interested Deaf believers have now gathered and prayed about this possibility of videotaping the Bible stories in their heart sign languages. Pray that God will guide us and give wisdom, patience and understanding as we work with this group who are committing themselves to this project.” http://members.tripod.com/wret_za/

SOUTH AFRICA. Please be in prayer for the country of South Africa. South Africa has long been thought of as an economically and politically secure country. However, over the last several months, much change has occurred here. Due to various reasons, power supplies have reached a critically low point and now South Africa is suffering the power outages that often occur in other parts of Africa. It has reached such a critical level that the country is now experiencing daily, rotating power outages. Unfortunately, this has already had a devastating effect on small business and employment, in a country that already has a huge unemployment rate. Immigration requests from the country have quadrupled since November. There are also nervous “rumblings” about how this will affect the 2010 Soccer World Cup, since it looks like a solution will be years in coming. All of this has had an unsettling effect on all people and has started a time of economic as well as political unrest with the coming elections. Please be in prayer for South Africa. Intercede for the people as they struggle through difficult times. Pray for the government as they struggle to solve a seemingly insurmountable problem. Ask for the Lord’s intervention and care. Pray for many to seek the Lord’s hand and guidance in South Africa.

ZAMBIA. It might be a school break, but it’s no holiday. The students of the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zambia are on their “break” between terms–but no one would say that they are on holiday. Those who are full-time pastors are using this time to focus more of their time and energy on the churches that they serve. Others are in the process of planting a church during this break. One student is beginning to bring to reality his calling of building an orphanage/training center in the bush by surveying possible sites and purchasing the land where God directs him. Give thanks to God for students who see “holidays” as “holy days”–days set apart for His glory and honor, extra opportunities to follow Him in faithful obedience.

LAST FRONTIER. “I was recently again reminded of the privilege of growing up in a country, and in a family, where there was freedom to hear and share the Good News,” writes a worker serving among a Last Frontier people group. “Utilizing the help of a recent short-term volunteer team, we took the opportunity to share the Resurrection Story with multiples of people over a one-week period. These short-term volunteer friends and I were amazed at the number of people who had never heard the Story. In several situations, the hearers were visibly moved. We ask you to pray for those who have heard these Truths. Pray that the seeds of Truth will take root and begin to grow new life in their hearts. Pray that the enemy will not steal these seeds of life away.”

MUSLIMS: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALL. Pray for brothers and sisters who are experiencing persecution because of their commitment to follow and serve Jesus Christ. Pray for them to experience joy in Christ in the midst of treachery. Ask that they will be completely enveloped by God’s peace. Pray for wisdom, grace and courage to share God’s Truth with those who oppose them. Pray for those who are determined to torment believers to be won over and transformed by God’s love expressed through His children. http://btw.imb.org/


Baham, Julia Ann

(October 25, 1945 – May 24, 2008)

Died at 2:53 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Our Lady Of The Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was a native of Springfield, LA and a resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 62 years. Visitation on Monday, May 26, 2008 from 9 a.m. until religious services at 3:00 p.m. at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg. Services conducted by Rev. Starat Cleveland. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA.Survived by, her husband, Douglas Baham, her daughter, Julie O’Brien, her sons, Pee Wee Baham, and Mickey Baham, her sisters, Ella Welch, Mable McMaree, and Dollie Frazier, all of Greensburg, her brothers, Albert Rodriguez and Dewitt Effler both of Livingston, 4 grandchildren, Amanda Allen, Bridgette Baham, Brittainy Baham, Stephanie O’Brien, great grandson, Micheal Ray Allen, numerous nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren


On Mission in Kentwood

Yesterday, fifteen volunteers worked to help others in our community and let them know God loves them and we love them. It was a very heart-warming experience. You might consider participating next time. You will certainly be blessed.

KneMoonlite

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


LARRY AND JANE Hudson are dear friends from the Main Street church…

They recently invited me to Sunday dinner following the AM worship assembly. This special couple was celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and so they asked me to go along and commemorate the happy occasion.

Our destination…? Owensboro, Kentucky and Moonlite Bar-B-Q.

Everybody in this neck of the woods knows about Moonlite. Think “casual dining.” Think “family feel.” Think “all-you-can-eat” BBQ buffet. Underline the word “all.” Hungry guests stand in line with a plate and then help themselves to a smorgasbord of tasty, home-style dishes.

Buffet. Choose what you want. Skip what you don’t want. Go back as many times as you wish. This is gastronomical heaven. I loaded my plate with country favorites — mashed potatoes, pulled pork, and green beans, but then skiped the macaroni and cheese, gravy and rolls.

I left the restaurant full as the proverbial tick. Okay, maybe not full — I stopped just one bite shy of gluttony.

The meal was great. The Christian company was even better.

It occurs to me that many preachers treat the Word like a trip to Moonlite. They fill their theological dinner-ware with perennial favorites. They “eat” what their doctrinal belly desires (Phil. 3:19), but then pass over those food items which their denomination deems unpalatable. For instance, some heap their plate with faith, but then consciously omit what the Scriptures teach about baptism. They select SOME of God’s word but not the SUM of God’s word. They claim to be “Bible-believing,” but then do a “Moonlite” on those passages which teach the necessity of immersion.

Does the New Testament require baptism? No? Look again. According to Matt. 28:19-20 baptism is involved in my becoming a disciple of Christ. According to Mark 16:15-16 baptism is something I must engage if I want to be saved. According to Acts 2:37-38 baptism is something I must undergo in order to be forgiven of my sins. According to Acts 8:12-13, 38 baptism is something I must submit to, even if it means changing my religion. According to Acts 10:48 baptism is something I must obey because it has been commanded. According to Acts 16:14-15, 33 baptism is something I will yield to — immediately — in order to be faithful to the Lord. According to Acts 22:16 baptism is something I must do if I desire my past sins to be taken away (cf. Acts 9:6). According to Rom. 6:3-7 baptism is that which makes a difference (slave of sin vs. slave of righteousness) in my life. According to 1 Cor. 12:13 baptism is the means by which I enter the body or church (cf. Eph. 1:22-23). According to Gal. 3:26-27 baptism is the way that I become a child of God. According to 1 Pet. 3:21 baptism saves.

Got your Bible handy? Read through Jeremiah 36. Jeremiah prophesied during the closing days of the Southern kingdom of Judah. On one occasion, the prophet received a divine message from God and then had the words written on a scroll (vv. 1-3). This inspired document was later read to king Jehoiakim by Jehudi (vv. 21). When Jehudi read that the kingdom-nation would be overthrown by the Babylonian empire, Jehoiakim decided he couldn’t “stomach” anymore. The arrogant ruler took a scribe’s penknife, cut up the scroll, and then cast it into the fire until it was consumed (vv. 22-24).

Jehoiakim would have liked Moonlite. Eat what you want. Skip what you don’t want. Mashed potatoes “yes,” dinner rolls “no.” Authoritarian rule “yes,” servile bondage “no.” Faith “yes,” baptism “no.”

Dear reader, the Bible is not a self-serve restaurant. We can’t pick out the parts that we like and then reject or cut out the portions that don’t strike our fancy. We must declare and consume (Jer. 15:16) the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; cf. 2 Tim. 4:2-4), including those passages which teach the necessity of baptism. (Mike Benson)

“The sum of your word is truth,and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Psm. 119:160).


Have a wonderful Lord’s Day! Be sure you remember it is SONday!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Go into all the world

and preach the Good News to everyone.”

~Mark 16:15 (NLT)~

 

Billy Ray Johnson

(July 17, 1930 – May 22, 2008)

The angels came and carried Billy Ray Johnson from the Hammond Nursing Home. A Loving wonderful husband and soulmate to Ruby Johnson for more than 35 years. A doting father to Tommy Ray Johnson, Greensburg, LA., Larry and Sybil Brenner, Laplace, LA., Granddaughter and Husband Rebecca Brenner Hicks & Ralph Lee Hicks Jr. of Abita Springs, Grandsons Lawrence Brenner Jr. and Wayne Daigrepont, Kenner. Sister and brother in Law, Mary Lou and Joe Cutrer, Greensburg along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was a retired truck driver and US Air Force veteran, who loved horses and old western movies. Preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Edith Carter Johnson. Services conducted by Rev. Elester Raines and Rev. Nita Jenkins @ McKneely Funeral Home at Amite, LA. On May 26, 2008 from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM, in funeral chapel. Burial at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. To follow the chapel services. Family and friends invited for the services. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to family at PO Box 7, Amite, LA. 70422. He was a member of College Town Baptist Church, Hammond, LA.

Baptist Press
May 23, 2008

MEXICO–Mexico City barrios tug at their hearts. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28107

MEXICO–Kindling hope among Mexico City’s homeless. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28108

MEXICO–Unshackling Mexico City to meet Jesus. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28109

FLORIDA–At 48, he’s a new Navy chaplain. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28112

THAILAND–Training manual to bolster Myanmar relief. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28113

ETHIOPIA–Wildfire heightens Ethiopia hunger crisis. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28114

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Henry Blackaby): Remembering America’s fallen. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28119


A CHANGE OF HEART

I’ve heard two stories lately with a common theme:

Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick tells a story from his own childhood days. His father had said to his mother, upon leaving the house one Saturday in the morning hours: “Tell Harry that he can cut the grass today, if he feels like it.” Then, halfway down the walk, his father turned once more to add: “And tell Harry that he had better feel like it.”

A similar story:

A new elementary school was raising the American flag for the first time. To make the day special, they had invited a Marine Corps color guard to come out and perform the duty for them. The day before the ceremony, the Marine in charge of the unit called to confirm directions to the school. After doing so, he was asked by the school secretary whether he was sending Marines who like children. There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before the man replied, “Ma’am, if I tell them to like children, they will like children.”

Both of those stories emphasize the point that there is a big difference between doing something and wanting (or liking) to do it. And, as much as a father or a Marine sergeant may command someone to enjoy what they’re doing, it’s just not that simple!

I wish that it was! I can make Christians attend worship, but what I really desire is for them to WANT to attend worship. I can make Christians give more, but what I really desire to for them to WANT to give more. I can make Christians serve in a variety of capacities, but what I really desire is for them to WANT to serve more. It’s so much harder to change what people want to do than it is to change what they do.

But it’s not just hard to change it in others — it’s hard to make that change in my own life as well. I often find myself thinking that I need to pray more, study more, visit more, when what I’d really, really like to find such joy in those things that I WANT to do them more.

When you peel away the outer layers of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and get to the core of what Jesus is saying, this is the principle you find. Jesus doesn’t just want followers who don’t murder; he wants his followers to WANT to live in love. He doesn’t just want followers who don’t commit adultery; he wants his followers to WANT to be people of commitment and integrity. He doesn’t want followers who merely DO the right thing; he wants followers who WANT to do the right thing. He doesn’t just want the actions; he wants the heart.

“Now the purpose of the comamndment

is love from a pure heart,

from a good conscience,

and from sincere faith.”

~I Timothy 1:5~

I continue to struggle with how to change people’s hearts. I continue to struggle with how to change my own heart. May we seek to submit ourselves to the only One who can shape and mold us into what we were made to be.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Show your love for people by helping with On Mission in Kentwood this morning.

Anna Lee

Friday Evening

On Mission in Kentwood

  • Meet Saturday morning at FBC at 8 A.M.
  • Light work and heavy work will be done
  • Bring chain saws, rakes, gloves, etc.
  • Bring plants/fresh flowers to share
  • Morning only
  • Contact me if you would like to work.
  • Contact me if you would like work done or know of a needed project.
  • Purpose – Let the people of Kentwood know we care about them; God does too!

Thursday

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!

As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

~John 20:21 (NIV)~

 

 

Deacon Hospital Ministry

  • Robert Wilson
  • Tom Brister

Nursery Volunteers for 5-25-08

  • Bobby Raborn
  • Wanda Miller
  • Susan Rimes
  • Paul Scott Schwartz

VBS Registration

  • June 1 & 8
  • Before worship service

On Mission in Kentwood

  • Saturday, 5-24 @ 8:00
  • Everyone can participate.

Graduate Sunday

  • May 25

VBS Needs

  • Pre-sweetened Kool-aid
  • Cookies

Annie Armstorng

  • Given – $12,505.30
  • Goal – $13,000.00

Baby Shower

  • Elisabeth H. Sanders
  • June 1
  • 2-4 P.M.
  • Fellowship Hall

THE WORTH OF A SERMON A couple of “preacher jokes” for you:

One Sunday morning, a preacher cut his face while shaving, and he placed a band-aid on the cut. After a longer-than-usual sermon, he explained, “In case you are wondering what happened to my face, while shaving I was concentrating on my sermon and I cut my face.” Afterwards, a woman said to him, “Next time, concentrate on your face and CUT THE SERMON.”

The minister selected a fifty-cent item at a convenience store, but discovered he didn’t have any money with him. “I could invite you to hear me preach in return,” he said jokingly to the owner, “but I’m afraid I don’t have any fifty-cent sermons.” “Perhaps,” suggested the owner, “I could attend twice.”

That raises an interesting question — how much are sermons worth? I can honestly say that some of mine have not been worth nearly as much as others. But if a sermon has effectively communicated the truth of God’s Word in such a way that we are led to understand better and to make application in our lives, then it is worth a great deal.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'” (Rom. 10:14-15)

Have you told your preacher lately what good-looking feet he has?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Count your blessings today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is

that they may be saved.”

~Romans 10:1~

A special thanks to those who stepped in to assist with a project for On Mission in Kentwood this week. May God bless you as you serve Him in this way.

A week from today, Saturday, May 24th, we will have another churchwide On Mission in Kentwood. Plan now to be a part of this ministry. If you have a special request for this group, please contact me or the church office (229-2881). Thanks!

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. From the Pacific Rim region comes this request: “Several families on our Pacific Rim Media Team are dealing with serious family issues such as aging parents or extended family members with health issues. Pray for God’s grace as we deal with these situations, oftentimes from a long distance.”

Floydale Teague
(November 14, 1928 – May 16, 2008)

Died at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2008 at his residence in Kentwood. He was a native of McGargel, TX. Age 79 years. He is survived by his wife, M. L. Teague, Kentwood; son, Tommy Teague, Baton Rouge; 3 daughters, Kathy Teague, Metairie, Karen Teague, Metairie and Donna Teague, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Teague; mother, Florence McClendon Teague; 2 brothers, David Teague and Raymond Teague; sister, Jewel Teague.


A FRIEND TO HELP

I heard recently about a student named Steve Winger from Lubbock, TX who was taking a challenging class in Logic. Both the course and the teacher were known for exacting and demanding exams. The final exam was looming, and the professor mercifully told the class that each student would be permitted to bring in a single 8 x 11 1/2 inch sheet with as much information as they could put on that one sheet for help during the test.

On exam day, each student came to class clutching their precious pieces of paper with as much information as possible. Some students had crammed lines and lines of font so tiny and so numerous onto that single sheet that you had to wonder how they could read it. But Steve walked in with a single blank sheet and a friend who was a senior student and who had an ‘A’ in logic. Steve bent down and placed that single, blank sheet of paper on the floor next to his desk. His expert friend stood on the paper.

The professor noticed the extra body in the room and asked what he was doing. Steve piped up, “You said we could bring in what ever we could fit on a single piece of paper for help on this test, well, this is my help and he can fit on the paper!” He had followed the instructions to the letter and was the only student in that class to score an ‘A’ since he had his expert friend standing along side him.

That story reminds me of what God has done for us. We are “tested” on a daily basis, but we have two very special blessings to assist us. First of all, God didn’t just send us a piece of paper to tell us what we need to know. Jews were given the “cheat sheet” composed of Ten Commandments chiseled in stone, along with hundreds of other commandments penned on scrolls. But God did more than that for us — He sent his Son to this earth, to stand with us, to live with us — not just a set of answers written on paper, but a living, breathing perfect example of what we need to know. Want to know how God would react in any given situation? Look to Jesus.

Then when Jesus returned to His Father, he left a helper with us, a “paraclete” to stand alongside us (no more than that — within us!), supporting us and guiding us.

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Cor. 1:21-22)

What a trendemous blessing, and a comfort to those who are in Christ.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful weekend.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“O You who hear prayer,

to You all flesh will come.”

~Psalm 65:2~

CHINA. As massive relief efforts continue following the 7.9 earthquake in Sichuan province, conditions look dire for the 100,000 people who are still missing and the 19,000 who are known to be trapped under buildings. Although China has mobilized a massive relief effort, many roads are impassible, making the efforts extremely difficult. At present, 13,000 are reported to have died, but the figure is expected to rise considerably. Pray for all who are buried alive, asking our merciful God to lead rescuers to their aid. Pray for those who are involved in relief efforts, asking the God of wisdom and strength to supply their needs. Pray for all who have lost loved ones, asking that God will send messengers to share His saving love with them. Pray that as this tragedy continues to unfold in Chengdu and surrounding cities and mountain communities, many millions of Chinese people will reflect on the meaning of life and search for Truth.

AIDS. As the thin, gaunt man lay on the mat on the floor, he could barely speak. The room he lay in was small and stifling hot. His right arm was drawn up toward his chest. A caregiver had cleaned him up and was now doing exercises to prevent his arm from staying in that position. No family members were around, and he apparently had no one left. This is the scene in many rural villages in South Africa. People are dying in the village of Sweetwaters at an alarming rate from AIDS. Pray for the Spirit of God to move evangelical churches to care for and witness to those infected and dying from AIDS. Pray that the people will turn to Jesus and no longer follow their traditional ways. Only Jesus can change a culture. http://www.imb.org/AIDS/

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Missionaries Jim and Lori Spikes will be taking their youngest daughter to the United States in a few months for college. Please pray for her during this transition time.


Braden Alford, our almost six year old grandson in Georgia, fell from the monkey bars a year ago and broke his upper right arm. He seems to have good use of the arm, but it is noticably crooked. He had a follow up visit with his doctor Tuesday. The doctor is sending Braden to a specialist in Chattanooga, Please pray for his family as they await this appointment.

Several people you know or may know of are in various stages of battling cancer. Please take time to pray for each one.

  • Mr. Henry Harris
  • Chuck Pittma
  • Randy Fairburn
  • Sammy Broyles
  • Linda Longoria (Wife for Rev. Lyndon Longoria)
  • Lisa Davis (Sister of Susan Rimes)
  • Grant Matherne (Great grandson of Mrs. Hazel Smith)
  • Aubrey Perry (Brother of Karen Miller)

Andrew Marius Smith III
Born in Perth Amboy, N.J., on Sept. 29, 1941, to parents Andrew Marius Smith Jr. and Audrey Bird Smith, he died in McComb, Miss., on Thursday, May 8, 2008. He graduated from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 in Korea. He was a publisher, author and illustrator of “Louisiana Proud,” a historical pictorial of the real Louisiana as it began and lives today through 375 original pen-and-ink illustrations. He also published, authored and illustrated three cookbooks and several children’s books. Survived by his wife, Cinda Parmelee; three sons, Jay Allen, of Los Angeles, Robby Allen, of Prairieville, and Marky Vetter, of Walker; and three grandchildren. Memorial service at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at his home, 77112 N. River Road, Kentwood, LA 70444.

Deacon Hospital Ministry this Week

  • Smiley Conerly
  • Roy Turner

Nursery Volunteers for May 18

  • Justin and Wendy Fowler
  • Eleanor Morris
  • Gretchen Simpson
  • Lily Edwards

On Mission in Kentwood

  • One project at 3 P.M. today (Contact the church office if you can help)
  • May 24th at 8 A.M. (Several projects)

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

  • Goal: $13,000.00
  • Received: $12,235.30

VBS Music CDs

  • Available in the church office
  • $2.50

Nursing Home Visitation

  • Tuesday, May 20th
  • 10:00 A.M.

Share Group Meeting

  • Tonight at 6:30
  • Alford’s Cabin

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
YESTERDAY, SEVERAL GOOD friends and I were sitting in the office of a neurosurgeon…

We listened to him as he explained why he left a thriving practice in a large metropolis to come a much smaller hospital in our area of the country. He said it was all because of a letter he received.

You see, he had been so busy with his job, he told us that he literally had not seen his little girl in three weeks. Then one night when he came home from work, there was a letter by his bed from his 11 year-old daughter. It was a letter in which this little girl told her daddy that she missed him and wanted more of his time. She acknowledged to her daddy that he had an important job, but she said, “Daddy, doing the ‘right’ thing is sometimes the ‘hard’ thing to do.” It was at this point that this successful neurosurgeon decided he wanted to be a father first. So he left his practice and moved his family to South-Central Kentucky.

I couldn’t help but be touched by this doctor’s story. Before me was a man who knew that there are things in life that are more important than fame, ego, work, and money. It doesn’t take a “brain surgeon” be able to identify proper values and priorities in life. Sometimes, little 11 year-old girls who miss their daddy can discern those things. The question I have for you is have you discerned these same truths? Give it some thought. (Steve Higginbotham)

“Redeeming the time,

because the days are evil.”

~Eph. 5:16~

I pray each of you will have a good day. Please let me know if you have something I can pray about or something I can share on The Prayer Link so others can pray too.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“And when you pray,

don’t be like those people who don’t know God.

They continue saying things that mean nothing,

thinking that God will hear them

because of their many words.”

~Matthew 6:7 (NCV)~

Update on Frann Clark

I will probably be going in the hospital in DeRidder for two days & one night to receive treatments for the myasthenia gravias. Please pray for me & for Riley while I am away.

Melinda’s update on M

Below is M’s letter regarding her beginning treatment. Thank you for
praying for her!
Melinda

I just got home from seeing Dr. Gillette who is a Radiation Oncologist at
Methodist Hospital. Tomorrow I go to have a special CT scan to have an
implant placed for radiation which will begin on Thursday. I will have
then have 25 daily radiation treatments. He is also going to do one to
two internal radiation treatments that I will have to go into the
hospital for but I do not know at this time when he is going to do those.
He went on to say that this tumor is so extremely rare that he has only
seen one on the cervix in his career. These types (neuroendocrine)
usually show up elsewhere in the body. So he is going to read up on the
most effective internal radiation treatment before he makes a decision on
which to use. Chemo starts next Monday(May 19). I will check into the
hospital every Monday afternoon for an overnight treatment and come home
sometime on Tuesday. I will be doing this for the next 5-6 weeks.

This is going to be a very aggressive treatment plan but that was what I
wanted. I am a little anxious, a little nervous, but I am ready to get
this done so that I can claim victory! Dr. Gillette did say that even
though this tumor was aggressive that it is CURABLE!!! So that is the
word of the day…the word of hope to cling to!!!

Please pray for me as I begin this journey…with so much love and prayer
I do not feel alone…you are all in this with me!

My God is able!
M

Melinda’s Update on Kenny P.

We received this morning this info on Kenny. Thank you for praying for him and his wife, Teri as he prepares to have surgery and as the Lord heals him.

Melinda

Late development Monday night-

1. They did not move him to Shepherd last night; stayed at NE GA in ICU; surgery scheduled Tuesday afternoon. Doctor said it was a serious spinal cord injury.

Talked to Teri (Monday morning):

1. He felt his right foot cold during the night. (Praise #1)

2. His pain level got up to 4, and this is only because he was sleeping and couldn’t push his button (Praise #2 he could sleep)

3. He was getting MRI this morning to provide more info for the surgery this afternoon.

4. No time yet for the surgery.

Braden, our grandson in Rome, GA, will be seeing a doctor today to check on his arm that was broken a year ago. Braden seems to have good use of the arm, but it is not straight.

Share Group

There’s been a change in the devotional leader for Thursday night. Bro. Bucky will not be leading because he is preparing to preach for the Sunday services.

Dottie Rambo Killed in Bus Accident
By Staff of Baptist Press


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Gospel music legend Dottie Rambo died early Sunday, May 11, when her tour bus veered from a Missouri highway and struck an embankment.

Seven others aboard the bus suffered severe or moderate injuries in the accident on Interstate 44 near Mount Vernon in southwest Missouri and were hospitalized in Springfield, the Associated Press reported.

Rambo’s entourage was en route to a Mother’s Day performance at a Dallas-Fort Worth-area church. The AP noted that officials were uncertain whether the crash was related to storms in the area.

Rambo, 74, published an estimated 2,500 songs, with entries in nearly every hymnbook. Included in the 1991 Baptist Hymnal, for example, are “We Shall Behold Him” and “Behold the Lamb.” The two songs and a third, “Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome,” are included in the 2008 hymnal to be released this summer by LifeWay Christian Resources.

Rambo, of Nashville, Tenn., won a Grammy for a 1968 solo album, “It’s the Soul of Me,” and Dove awards in 1999 for her song, “I Go to The Rock,” sung by Whitney Houston in the motion picture “The Preacher’s Wife,” and in 1982 for “We Shall Behold Him.”

She was a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Among the artists who have recorded her songs: Elvis Presley, George Beverly Shea, dcTalk, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Bill Gaither and Steve Greene.

Rambo was a native of Morganfield, Ky., who began writing songs at age 8 and as a teen was signed to a songwriting contact by Gov. Jimmie Davis of Louisiana.

Funeral arrangements had not been published at press time.

Compiled by Baptist Press editor Art Toalston.

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

FOR 3 MONTHS I had a ringside seat – or should I say a bird’s-eye view – of God’s amazing handiwork…

Ninety feet above the floor of Norfolk Botanical Garden, workers installed a webcam focused on the nest of a family of bald eagles, and online viewers were allowed to watch.

When the eggs hatched, Mama and Papa Eagle were attentive to their offspring, taking turns hunting for food and guarding the nest. But one day when the eaglets still looked like fuzzballs with beaks, both parents disappeared. I worried that harm had come to them.

My concern was unfounded. The webcam operator enlarged the camera angle, and there was Mama Eagle perched on a nearby branch.

As I pondered this “reframed” picture, I thought of times when I have feared that God had abandoned me. The view in the forest heights of Virginia reminded me that my vision is limited. I see only a small part of the entire scene.

Moses used eagle imagery to describe God. As eagles carry their young, God carries His people (Deut. 32:11-12). Despite how it may seem, the Lord “is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). This is true even when we feel abandoned. (Julie Ackerman Link)

“As an eagle stirs up its nest,

hovers over its young,

spreading out its wings, . . .

so the Lord alone led [Jacob].

~Deut. 32:11-12~

Yesterday was a difficult day for me. Today is a long, very full day. I’m going to work hard to make the best of it. I hope you do too!

Anna Lee

Monday

Jesus replied,

“The most important commandment is this:

‘Hear, O Israel!

The Lord our God is the one and only Lord.

And you must love the Lord your God

with all your heart,

all your soul,

all your mind,

and all your strength.’”

~Mark 12:29-30 (NLT)~

Urgent Prayer Request

Dear Prayer partners,

Please be in prayer for Kenny P. Kenny had a very serious accident at his home in the US on Sunday afternoon and fell from a ladder from two stories. He was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital. He has serious injuries to his back. He has injured several vertebras, one is injured extensively. There is the possibility of spinal damage. He is resting at a local hospital in ICU and will have an MRI on Monday morning and surgery on Monday afternoon. He is also expected to undergo a second surgery in two or three days following the initial surgery. He will be moved at a later date to a hospital that specializes in spinal rehab.

Kenny and his wife, Teri have been a great asset to our region. Each year they oversee the volunteers that come and minister to our children and us at our annual meetings. They have been doing this for many years. They have blessed our lives with their dedication in this special ministry to us all in CEE.

Please pray for God’s healing hands to touch Kenny’s back. Pray for Teri as she talks with doctors and as she is with Kenny. We have CEE colleagues that are with them right now so we will keep you posted as we hear.

Thank you for praying!

Melinda

http://www.rogerlrussellfamily.blogspot.com/

http://www.imbromania.rom

Joan Hagan had a better day yesterday. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.

The monthly share group meeting is at the Alford cabin Thursday at 6:30. You are invited to join the fellowship. Bucky Erwin will lead the devotional.

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

MARCH 24, 2008


THIS PAST WEEK, I learned that a young man, a freshman at Freed-Hardeman University drowned in the ocean while on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic…

Shane Ruiz was wading in the ocean with several friends on the last day of their mission trip, when a rough wave knocked him over and an undertow pulled him out to sea. Attempts were made to rescue him, but all attempts proved futile. This young man was in the Dominican Republic, along with several other fellow students, to teach a Vacation Bible School for children living there, and to work with a Children’s Home. After a long week of work, their schedule called for a trip to the ocean before returning home to the United States.

My first thoughts when I heard of this tragedy were the thoughts of a parent. I too, have a child at Freed-Hardeman, and I can only imagine what this young man’s parents must be going through. I would ask that you remember them in your prayers.

But my second thought was the last verse of a song we sometimes sing in our assemblies. The song is entitled, “Follow Me” and was written by Ira Stanpill in 1953. Here is the third verse of that song:

Oh, Jesus if I die upon a foreign field some day,
T’ would be no more than love demands, no less could I repay,
No greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die,
These are the words he gently spoke to me.
If just a cup of water I place within your hand,
Then just a cup of water is all that I demand,
But if by death to living they can they glory see,
I’ll take my cross and follow close to Thee.

Now here’s the point of my article. This young man died while engaging in the work of the Lord. While many young people across our nation use their Spring Break to immerse themselves in immorality and drunken revelries, this young man spent the last week of his life trying to teach children about Jesus. While I am saddened by the events that ultimately occurred, I am thankful for the choice he made.

Friends, all of us, if we could choose, would want to leave this world while doing the work of the Lord. Even Balaam, the wicked, greedy prophet in the Old Testament prayed, “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his” (Num. 23:10).

But now, allow me to leave you with a question. If you were to die doing the work of the Lord, would you have to die on a Sunday morning only, between the hours of 10:30 and 11:30? Give it some thought. (Steve Higginbotham)

KneEmail: “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his” (Num. 23:10).

Bible reading for 05.12.08:

Articles about Shane:
1. http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158288~Freed-Hardeman_student_presumed_drowned_on_mission_trip
2. http://brotherhoodnews.com/2008/03/20/campaigner-presumed-drowned-in-dominican-republic/
3. http://web.fhu.edu/NR/exeres/31DC34C5-7BC6-4E15-9DDD-BA50F27BB232,frameless.htm

Thank you for being there to pray each day. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Please feel free to send praises, requests, and updates you wish to share.

Anna Lee