Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Monday

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?

For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

~Matthew 2:2, NASB~

Please pray for Mrs. Floyce Raiford, mother of Pam Bankston and also one of my favorite teachers.  She has not been her best for a while.  Tests now indicate some cancer issues.  Pray for her and her family as more tests are done.

Dan Turner continues to improve.  This is happening on God’s time-table.  Pray for the family as they continue to wait and accept God’s timing,

How is the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Used?

http://www.imb.org/main/give/lmw/Story.asp?StoryID=11003&LanguageID=1709

The Christmas program presented by the choir of FBC, Kentwood was excellent last night.  The tempo of the music and the wonderful video added so much to the message and the beautiful message.  I can feel Christmas now!

Wednesday, the church will have a Christmas Church Family meal and singing by candlelight.  Please being your favorite side dish or dessert.  Plan on a special night.

Thursday, David and I will host the monthly Third Thursday meeting at the cabin.  If you have been thinking of joining us, this will be a great time to do so.  We begin at 6:30.  Bring your favorite dish.

Remember, Christmas is not about a Christmas tree with lots of pretty packages.  It is about the humble birth of a Savior who lived on earth as an ordinary man.  He prepared for us a way to heaven for eternity.  This is the real reason for celebrating!

We are still dry and okay after the bad weather last night.  I hope you are dry and okay too.

Anna Lee

Later Sunday Afternoon

From Ladd Turner
UPDATE: Dan is having a good day today. His oxygen level is at 99% and he has been breathing on his own for a good long while. He is a good bit more active today. He was displaying some very fine motor skills by pulling at stitches. He heard us laughing about it I’m sure and kept doing it. He indicated that his stomach was hurting by tapping on it and Angela asked him to give thumbs up if his stomach was hurting and he did. So, good things happening today. They are going to perform a procedure at some point to put a filter in his leg to filter blood as they have detected teeny tiny blood clots which is to be expected. From what I understood, after the procedure, they are removing the tubes from his mouth. God is good! Thank you Lord for your faithfulness!

Sunday Afternoon

Jones Family Blog

http://gavincarrie.blogspot.com/

 

Mrs. Helen Robertson is home and ventured out to church this morning.  Pray for this special lady as she recovers from a fall and a broken hip.

Please continue to pray for Reesa B. DeLee as she works to be well enough to come home from New York.

Please be in prayer for the family and friends of Mr. June Austin Spears, Sr. He passed away this morning. No arrangements to be made until tomorrow.

Thanks

Mary Ann Cutrer

 

I’ve hesitated to post about Newtown, CT because the situation hurt so much, but I did pay attention to the news hour after hour.  I received this poem that helps heal some of the hurt.  As you pray for the families of the victims, pray for all the other children in the school Friday, and pray for the family of the shooter.  They are hurt and lacking understanding like the other families.

twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
“where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“this is heaven.” declared a small boy. “we’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”
“may this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“come now my children, let me show you around.”
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
“in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Sunday

Verse shared by Ladd Turner this morning:

‎”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

~Matthew 11:28-30 NIV~

Continue to pray for Dan Turner and his family.  It’s been a long eight days for them.  Thank God for the progress they have seen.  Pray for them as they continue to stick by him through this ordeal.

Mrs. Oma Zachary of Amite is in OLOL.  She had a heart valve replacement a few months ago.  Some days she is better than on other days.  Pray she can “bounce back” from her current problem.

Austin Elder’s wake will be Tuesday with the celebration of life service on Wednesday.  Pray for Austin’s family and friends as they prepare for these days.  Pray they can continue to point others to God through their witness.

Continue to pray as churches collect funds for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  Check out the following site to learn of some of the ways these funds are used.

http://www.commissionstories.com/eurasia/

The choir of FBC, Kentwood will lead in worship tonight through song.  Join us at six tonight.  You’ll be blessed.

Holidays are hard for some families.  Family members are not together because of military service or other reasons, Pray for families with a member hospitalized during the holidays.  Pray for families that will celebrate their first Christmas since the loss of a loved one.  Pray for those who live alone and will not have any family celebration this year.  Step in and help make these situations brighter and lighter on the heart.

May you be blessed on this Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;

may the Lord rejoice in his works—

he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,

who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

~Psalm 104:31-33 NIV~

 

Pray for Dan Turner as he has more and more time off the vent.  Pray for his family as they wait for the moment when Dan is fully awake.

Emma Brabham is enjoying her time at home and having visitors.  Continue to pray for this family.

The vande Vuss family has everyone at home again.  Pray the flu doesn’t continue to spread through this family.  Pray for all the other families dealing with bad colds, bronchitis, and flu.

Austin Elder was removed from life support.  His parents sang “Jesus Loves You” during his last moments.  As we slept last night his organs were given to help continue/improve the life of others.  Pray for this brave Christian family who ministered to other families at the hospital while their son for fighting for his life.  May the Elder family’s influence and example continue to minister to others.

Christmas Greeting from Africa (LMCO)

http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/

Baptist Press – It doesn’t take long to read some of these articles that are both current and inspiring.

BPNews.net

 The choir of FBC, Kentwood will present their Christmas musical tomorrow night at 6:00 P.M.  You are invited to come enjoy this time with FBC.

I was blessed last night to attend the annual Christmas Dinner and Musical at Woodland Park in Hammond.  What a blessing it was!

Anna Lee

Friday

The reason for the season: 

“For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16, HCSB~

 

Jill Brister and Lloyd Hayden are both having problems with their backs.  Pray for some relief for them.

The Jason and Ellen vande Vuss family has now had two children hospitalized this week.  Pray the other members of the family will be spared.

Debi Bales is home and better, but still weak and recovering from her illness.  She would appreciate your continued prayers.

Emme Brabham went home last night.  Continue to pray for her as she heals.  Her family appreciates all of your prayers.

Dan Turner is ready to wake up, but the doctors have decided to keep him medicated a little longer so his ribs and lungs can heal a little more.  The family is so thankful Dan is doing so well and for the many prayer warriors who have been lifting up the name of Dan.

Austin Elder – Today, he will go to St. Louis.

We would like to share that last night Tim Ernst, the artist that led the rescuers to where Austin laid, and his precious wife Pam, brought our family the branch off of the little maple tree that spared Austin from immediate death. Tim went and found the branch that caught Austin on the way down. We call it the branch of life from the tree of life. It was on their hearts to make sure we had that special branch and we love them for it. Please go towww.timernst.com and look for his current journal to see his sweet words about Austin.

Please pray for strength for Danny, Gina, and Brittany. They have peace beyond all earthly comprehension, but they are exhausted. When Austin got his new drivers license last year, he selected to be an organ donor, which lead he and his Mom to have a conversation regarding donation. He was adamant that he wanted to be a donor. That conversation was part of God’s perfect plan. Austin fell 100 feet, but God used that small maple tree to keep his organs from being damaged so that he could save 5 to 8 other people. We thank God for revealing his perfect plan to us. But for various reasons, in order to donate his organs, we will have to wait until tomorrow, which means another day here at St. John’s. Pray for strength. They will then take Austin to St. Louis where the Miracle of our precious Austin will live on.

Last night Tim Ernst, the artist that lead the rescuers to where Austin lay, and his precious wife, Pam, brought thefamily that branch off of the little maple tree that spared him from immediate death. Tim went and found the branch that caught Austin on the way down. We call it the branch of life from the tree of life. It was on their hearts to make sure we had that branch and we love them for it. Please go to www.timernst.com and look for his current journal to see his sweet words about Austin.

We have so much to say to all of you, but may not get them said today. We can’t tell you how much we love you all and we thank you for allowing God to use you all to bless this family.
Baptist Press: BPNews.net
The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering continues in area Southern Baptist Churches.  One hundred percent of the money given to this offering will go for work to spread the Good News around the world.  This money represents 54% of the total budget for world missions.

Fast Facts

International Mission Board vital stats
• 4,903 missionaries (as of August 2012)
• 28,873 new churches*
• 333,823 baptisms*
• 442,385 new believers who heard a Gospel witness*

*As reported in the 2011 Annual Statistical Report

Status of World Evangelization
• 11,424 people groups worldwide; 6.9 billion people
• 6,524 unreached people groups (less than 2 percent evangelical)
• 3,257 unengaged, unreached people groups (no church-planting strategy)

People group figures current as of Aug.15, 2012. Get the latest status of world evangelization figures.

Lottie Moon past and present
• 2012 goal: $175 million
• 2011 receipts: $146.8
• 2010 receipts: $145.6 million
• 2009 receipts: $148.9 million
• $3 billion given since offering’s inception
• $3,315 collected in 1888 for first offering, enough to send three women to China

How much does it cost to support a missionary?
• $49,800 a year (average)
• $4,150 a month
• $958 a week
• $136 a day

Reported May 2012. Support includes housing, salary, children’s education, medical expenses, retirement and more.

IMB budgeted income: 
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – about 54 percent
Cooperative Program – 29 percent
World Hunger and General Relief – 2 percent
Field-generated funds, investment returns and other income – 15 percent

Total IMB expenditures 2011 – $307.6 million
• Overseas missions – $260.8 million
Missionary support – $206.7 million
Field work – $53.8 million
• Stateside – $47.1 million

Total IMB expenditures 2010 – $294.2 million
• Overseas missions – $244.8 million
Missionary support – $196.3 million
Field work – $48.5 million
• Stateside – $49.3 million

Total IMB expenditures 2009 – $306.8 million
• Overseas missions – $255.4 million
Missionary support – $221.9 million
Field work – $33.5 million
• Stateside – $51.4 million

Have a great day!  Do something that brings the real meaning of Christmas to others.

Anna Lee

Thursday

 “Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request,

and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.”

~Ephesians 6:18, HCSB~

Continue to pray for Debi Bales.  She is home, but not feeling much better.
Bro. Joey and Karen and both “under the weather”.  Add them to your prayer list.
Pray for Jimmy Schwartz.  He tries to be like the energizer bunny and keeps going and going.
Dan Turner had his knee wound cleaned out.  Doctors will begin to eliminate the induced coma this morning.  Expect a good report as Dan wakes up.  Continue to pray for Dan and his family.
Dear Prayer Warriors, Our precious precious Austin has taken a turn for the worse. Austin has suffered two massive strokes, which has left him with no brain function. We will meet with Dr. Lee in the morning to take Austin off of the respirator. We will give you more information tomorrow, but we can’t express how much you have held us up, witnessed to us and loved us. We know you are the Gift that God gave us to help through this. We will Praise Him in this storm.
 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
Click on some of the markers and learn something about our work in Asia.  Thank God for people like Lottie Moon who paved the way for work in Asia and around the world.
 
Baptist Press – You may be interested in several of these articles including the one about Hurricane Sandy disaster relief.
Happy birthday, Lottie!
Anna Lee

12-12-12

You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts.

For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

~ 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NLT) ~ 

Bro. J.P. Miles sent word that he will be retiring on12-31-12 and living in the same area with plans to preach, teach, consult, etc.  He current email address is jpaulmiles@gmail.com.  Let all pray he enjoys retirement and has numerous opportunities to continue serving God.

Austin Elder, the grandson of missionary friends, who fell 100 ft. off a cliff has a big day ahead of him.  As you pray for him and those caring for him, please say special prayers for his mom and dad.

Debi Bales was in Hood Memorial, but was released last night.  She got needed medication and much needed rest, but missed all the creature comforts of being at home.  Pray for continued improvement.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier is still hospitalized in Greensburg.  Pray they can help her to feel better soon.  Pray for her family too.

Mrs. Ruby Luke is better and was able to move from step-down to a regular room.

Dan Turner is responding to commands and comments even while in an induced come.  The plans are to wake him up today.  The family is expecting one miracle after another.  Pray for them too.  Thank-you to all who have prayed for him.  The attached link shows you Dan has a large group of medical friends praying for him.

http://blogs.clarionledger.com/crimebeat/2012/12/11/and-a-little-bit-on-dan-turner/?fb_comment_id=fbc_394016937343209_2771566_394069404004629#f1c871ee0c

Emma Brabham is healing.  Yesterday, she was able to take a little walk using a walker.  Pray for her continued healing and for her family.

Updated from Sue Smith

This is an update on the 3 people I put on prayer list last week. My Sister- in-Laws mother passed away and was buried last Thursday. She was 88 years old and lived a great life. Frank’s brother Mike’s surgery was cancelled till Dec. 19th. My brother’s knee replacement was a success. Thanks for posting this.

Sue Smith

A friend shared this link about why people do not come to church.  I think there is a lot of truth to this.  Let’s read and benefit.

http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=11131

 Who was Lottie Moon?

http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5524&LanguageID=1709

Enjoy the Christmas festivities, but remember the reason was Jesus and what He did for us.

Anna Lee

Update on Austin Elder

Another positive update. Austin’s blood counts look much better today. His brain waves are spiking when we talk to him. HE HEARS US…..PRAISE GOD. He needs prayers today to heal his lungs. This is still a big hurdle. We still have a long way to go. This is definitely a marathon, but we are ready to run it and win it, and give all the glory to the Great Physician, our Lord and Savior.

Lucky, the friend with Austin at the crag, is here sharing what happened when Austin fell. Please pray for Lucky. No one should have to go through what he did that night to save his friend. We will be forever grateful.

We love you all so much.

Tuesday Updates

Little Jadon has now been seizure-free for eleven months.  I’m thanking God for blessing this young man and his family with a much better quality of life for all of them.

Dan Turner (via Ladd Turner)

  •  Good news throughout the night! Dan was moving his arms, legs, hands, and toes! Doctors said this was not a reflex but intentional. He even reached up and rubbed his nose in a way that is unique to Dan Turner. He started getting a little to feisty and started reaching for his hoses and such. Moral of the story you ask? Even broken and sedated, Dan remains the same stubborn, strong willed self! To God be the Glory!!
  •  Nurse just went in and asked Dan to hold up 2 fingers and he did!!!! She told him to give her a thumbs up and he did!!! AND HE’S SEDATED!!!! GOD IS ALIVE!!!