Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Friday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

 


Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell may have a heart procedure today.  Please be in prayer for her, her family, and the doctors.

 

Dell Phillips

Update on my mom. We saw the ortho Tuesday. Her hand does need surgery but he advised against it due to her age. He put her in a cast. If healing goes well she will only have it for about 4 weeks. She is still in alot of pain but it is getting better. Thanks to everyone for your prayers.

Charlene Blades

 

Africa embraced as Fuge camp’s 5-year focus 

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35276


‘SBC Fuge’ opens for Phoenix June 13-15

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35277

TRUSTEES: Church planting to be focus of new NAMB mission statement

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35283

Albright, Millican join NAMB in key roles

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35284

As states debate ‘gay marriage,’ consequences of legalization become clear

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35285

SWBTS holds final graduation at TX church

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35280

Korean Council to celebrate 30th anniv.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35279

Billy Graham in hospital with pneumonia

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35278

NEWS BRIEFS: House panel OKs ban on military ‘gay marriages’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35282

 

 

The first article above is about Fuge camps.  I’m thankful they focused on the Rome of Central and Eastern Europe for the past five years.  Their financial support allowed the ministry to the Roma to reach many for the Lord during this time.  What a great blessing this has been.  As the focus turns to another area, may the ministry to the Roma continue to develop and multiply.  May the work in southern Africa be blessed and increased in the next five years as the focus is no them.

 

Don’t forget to attend Mug ‘n’ Muffin at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow at 10 A.M. tomorrow.  All girls and ladies, no matter your church connection, are invited to attend.

 

Irma Bond Bernadas
(September 22, 1920 – May 10, 2011) 

 

A lifelong resident of Amite, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at MorningStar Assisted Living Home in Lakewood, CO. She was born September 22, 1920 in Fluker and was 90 years of age. She was a graduate of Amite High School and Northwestern University (formally Louisiana State Normal College). For many years, she was the Executive Assistant of the Superintendent of Education under J. F. Corkern, Jack Lanier, and Dewitt Sauls and was also a board member of the Tangipahoa Teachers Credit Union. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Amite. A cherished event in her life was the year she was honored and selected by the City of Amite to reign as the Pearl of the Amite Oyster Festival. She is survived by her son-in-law, Ron McCullough, Golden, CO; grandson, William Ashley McCullough, Golden, CO; brother, Dr. John Russell Bond, New Orleans; 3 nephews, Jonathan Scott Bond and Marc Elliot Bond, New Orleans, John Russell Bond, Jr. Encinitas, CA; niece, Hesterlyn Bond Nakamura, San Francisco, CA. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert L. Ashley; second husband, Hector Emile Bernadas; daughter, Mary Ashley McCullough; parents, Rufus and Molly Mae Russell Bond; brother, Charles Elliott Bond. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1p.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a memorial contribution to the First Baptist Church of Amite.

 

Mrs. Ierma Jean Hagen
(August 23, 1934 – May 11, 2011)

Mrs Ierma Jean Hagen was born on August 23, 1934 and passed away at 2:50 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 76, a native of Crofton, KY and a resident of Kentwood.

Mrs. Jean is survived by her husband, Rev. Richard D. Hagen, Kentwood; 2 sons, Sidney Hagen and wife Diane, Powersville, SC and Timothy H. Hagen, Houston, TX; 5 grandchildren, Rachael Hagen, Ben Hagen, Jeremiah Hagen, Nathaniel Hagen and Ricky Hagen; sister, Maedowney Barnard and husband Herb, Florence, AL.

Preceded in death by her parents, Herman & Hazel Parker Gladdish; sister, Jacquelyn Marcum; brother, Herman Gladdish, Jr.

Arrangements will be added later.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’ Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

THE VALUE OF SERMONS


The following story has been around for quite a while, but continues to make a good point.  It is supposed to have begun with a letter to the editor of “The British Weekly.”

“Dear Sir:

I notice that ministers seem to set a great deal of importance on their sermons and spend a great deal of time in preparing them.  I have been attending services quite regularly for the past thirty years and during that time, if I estimate correctly, I have listened to no less than 3,000 sermons, but, to my consternation, I discover I cannot remember a single one of them.  I wonder if a minister’s time might be more profitably spent on something else? Sincerely….”

That letter triggered an avalanche of angry responses for weeks.  Sermons were castigated and defended, but eventually a single letter closed the debate:

“Dear Sir:

I have been married for 30 years, during that time I have eaten 32,580 meals — mostly of my wife’s cooking. Suddenly, I have discovered that I cannot remember the menu of a single meal. And yet, I have received nourishment from every single one of them. I have the distinct impression that without them, I would have starved to death long ago.  Sincerely….”

There is a great deal of wisdom in that letter.  I have heard countless sermons over my lifetime — many were memorable, many more were not.  The truth is, I can’t even remember everything that I have preached (that’s why God created databases)!  But I know that many of the sermons which I heard have made an impact in my life, and I pray that the sermons I deliver do the same for others.

“And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:4-5)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

Have a fantastic Friday as you remember to pray for these needs and for other needs that are not listed here.  Thanks for praying.

Anna Lee

Wheels 4 JM

Wheels 4 JM

211022_211225932232335_5596696_n.jpg

(JonMichael Williams was injured in a traffic accident in Amite in November.  If you cannot attend, you may still want to contribute to this worthy cause.  Continue to pray for JonMichael and his mother.  He has made good progress, but the “road” ahead is still long.  Your prayers will be so appreciated.)

Sunday, May 15
4:30pm – 8:30pm
Oak Forest Academy 

600 Walnut Street
Amite, Louisiana

 

Dr Gary Martinez and his wife Leslie of Crossroads Youth Ranch, are putting on this event! Our goal is to raise 25,000 Dollars to help with purchase of a wheelchair accessible Van! 

Tickets are 10.00 a person and will include a Kobe Beef Burger, Fries, and a drink!

Music will be provided by Soul Salvage Project, Cornerstone Praise Team, Five and Two, House on the rock Praise Team, and Foundation

Tickets are available in advance at OFA, House on the Rock and First Baptist Church of Amite as well as at the door of the event.

Come be a blessing to this family.

 

Thursday

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God,

and you will find Him

if you seek Him with all your heart

and with all your soul.”

~Deuteronomy 4:29~

 

Marty Simpson

Marty’s surgery went well. He won’t be able to use his hand for a week, except to move his fingers.  We go back in a week to take the brace off.  Marty has to learn to use his left hand for everything.  Thanks for the prayers.
Marty & Gretchen Simpson

 

Mark Shaw is progressing in rehab in Hammond.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

 

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is hospitalized in Covington and undergoing some tests. Mr. Phillip’s wrist is doing well.  Continue to keep then in your prayers.

 

Add Rev. Billy Graham to your prayer list.  He is hospitalized with pneumonia.  Thank God for a life dedicated to serving Him around the world.

 

David and I saw Mrs. Kathryn Sanders at the funeral home yesterday.  She is doing so well for someone her age who recently broke a him.  Thank God for healing her. Thank God for her faithful caregivers.

Continue to pray for those with shingles which is known to linger for a while before fading away.  Pray for these people to be comfortable in our hot, humid weather.

Don’t forget to pray foe Eddie Muse and his family as they care for him in Kentwood.

 

Baptist Press Stories for May. 11 2011

—————————————

‘Send Montreal’ is launched; 99% unchurched in region     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35267

IMB, NAMB presidents discuss ways to ‘penetrate lostness’     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35268

Native people ‘speak their minds’ at summit     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35269

Navy reverses course on ‘gay marriages’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35270

NEWS BRIEFS: Indiana 1st state to ban Planned Parenthood funding     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35271

50 years on job, she’s seen SEBTS grow

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35272

FIRST-PERSON: Presbyterians, homosexuality, & another tragedy in mainline Protestantism

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35273

FIRST-PERSON: J.Crew, pink nails & princess boys     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35274

FROM THE SEMINARIES: stories from NOBTS, SWBTS, MBTS     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35275

 

The obituary below has been updated.

James Norel Martin, age 39, passed away on May 8, 2011 at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN. He was born January 12, 1972 in Baton Rouge and spent his early years in Texas and Virginia. He was a resident of Mooresburg, Tennessee where he was the owner of Polymax Inc., a plastics recycling company. He attended Northern Virginia Community College and Old Dominion University. James is survived by his father, Lt. Colonel USAF Retired James Hulon Martin and wife Sky, Vienna, VA; mother, Christelle Polivka, Austin, TX; sister, Olga and husband Edward Pierce, Sterling, VA; three uncles, Royce Martin, Holden, LA, Dennis Martin and wife Pennie, Hebron, IN, and Reggie Martin and wife Cindy, Independence, LA; numerous cousins and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jesssie Lee Martin, Sr., and Juanita “Jody” Jenkins Martin.

Celebration of Life Services will be Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, LA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The University of Tennessee Medical Center Brain and Spine Institute Gift Fund.

http://www.utmedicalcenter.org/cms/Brain+and+Spine+Institute/Make+a+Gift/297.html

Interment in Colonial Mausoleum, Independence LA.

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

 

Pass the word about the Mug ‘n’ Muffin meeting Saturday at 10 A.M. at FBC, Kentwood.  All girls and ladies are invited to come and be blessed.

“Count Your Blessings” today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Then He said to His disciples,

‘The harvest truly is plentiful,

but the laborers are few.

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest

to send out laborers into His harvest.’”

~Matthew 9:37-38~

 

When people are in need, they seem to be more open to the Gospel.  Between the tornadoes, flooding, sicknesses, deaths, fires, and accidents there seems to be lots of opportunities!

 

Disaster Relief Update

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams are active in several areas across the United States. For an update on current Disaster Relief activities, visit http://www.lbc.org/DR-News/SBDR-Update-May-9-2011

 

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Featured in New York Times

A recent article in the New York Times featured Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers Marteen and Wiley Blankenship. To read the full article visit: 
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/09/us/09baptist.html

 

Mrs. Virgie Mae “Cubie” Bennett Braase
(December 28, 1925 – May 10, 2011)

Mrs. Virgie Mae “Cubie” Bennett Braase was born December 28, 1925 and passed away at 3:25 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home, Greensburg. She was 85 and a resident of Roseland.

Mrs. “Cubie” is survived by a daughter, Joyce Emma Henley and husband Ernie, Evant, TX; 2 sons, Lawrence Braase and wife Patricia, Amite and Michael “Mike” Braase and wife Eva, Arcola; sister, Gladys Bennett Burton, Summit, MS; 7 grandchildren, Scott Pittman and wife Kathy, Jeff Pittman and wife Jennifer, Heather B. Accardo and husband Randy, Melissa Henley Erexson and husband Joe, Michael Braase, Jr., Dustin “Dusty” Braase and wife Vicki and Micah Braase; 13 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents; husband, Lawrence Thomas Braase; 5 sisters, Lula Smith, Nellie Golmon, Emilie Miller, Lena Westmoreland and Claire Granger; brother, Homer Bennett.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, May 12, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, May 13, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Mike Foster officiating. Interment in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’ Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

 

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10
Mike Benson, Editor

IT’S A FACT that “hurt people hurt people…”

They usually dislike themselves and criticize others in a misguided effort to validate themselves.  If one of these injured souls lobs a criticism grenade in your direction, defuse it with understanding.  Part of considering the source is seeking awareness of what that person may be going through.

One time I was praying during worship, a few moments before preaching.  Eyes closed, focusing on God, I felt someone slip a note into my hand.  I never saw who it was, but the note was marked “Personal.”  I thought to myself, “Someone probably wrote a nice note to encourage me before I preach.”  A warm, loving feeling settled over me as I undfolded the paper.

A moment later, I lost that loving feeling.

Evidently, the note was from a woman who had tried to see me on Friday, my day off.  She took offense at my absence and blasted me with hateful accusations.  This happened literally seconds before I was to stand up to preach.  In that moment, I had a choice.  I could internalize the offense and become demoralized and discouraged.  Or I could ask myself, I wonder what she’s experiencing that caused her to lash out?

I chose compassion over depression.  My heart hurt for her.  I knew that such a disproportionate reaction must indicate deep pain, so I didn’t take her note personally.

Consider the source. And consider the possibility that the jab may have come from an injured heart.  Dismiss it and move on.  If you don’t, you may become the very thing you despise.  Craig Groeschel,Confessions of a Pastor: Adventures in Dropping the Pose and Getting Real with God, 106

“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.” Proverbs 19.11

Be loving today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy.”

~Philippians 1:4 (NIV)~

 

Continue to pray for the thousands of people whose lives were changed by the tornadoes almost two weeks ago.  Thank God for the thousands of volunteers who are working daily to help locate victims, prepare food, clear debris, coordinate work, provide comfort and spiritual help, etc.  These people are away from their own homes and families because they care about others.  Thank God for them.  Pray for their safely as they minister to others.

Another big concern now is flooding along the Mississippi and its tributaries.  Again, pray for the safety of those in the flooding areas and for those who are helping them in numerous ways.

Ishmel Englo Ballard
(June 18, 1927 – May 9, 2011)

He was born June 18, 1927 and passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 9, 2011. Mr. Ballard was 84 and a native and resident of the Chesbrough Community. He was a retired dairy farmer and served our country during World War II in the U. S. Navy. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sarah Ann Smith Ballard; 2 daughters, Helen Ballard McNabb and husband, Barry, Kentwood and Nellin Ballard Webb and husband, Ronny, Greensburg; 2 sons, Ishmel “David” Ballard, Kentwood and Walter E. Ballard, Kentwood; 1 brother, Paul Ballard, Amite; 1 sister, Audrey Ballard Schexnayder, Kentwood; 9 grandchildren, Bridgette McNabb Hughes and husband, J.D., Beth McNabb Day and husband, Jeff, Brooke McNabb, “Lil” Ronny Webb and wife, Laura, Ballard Webb, Ann D’lyn Webb, Ishalyn Ballard Broussard and husband, Jon, Tarra Ballard and Cally Ballard; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Carrie Ballard; numerous siblings. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Mark Robinson. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough.

 

Women’s/Girls’ Ministry

You are invited to FBC, Kentwood Saturday morning for breakfast muffins, a missions project, special music, and a craft project.  You do not have to be a member of FBC, Kentwood to attend.  Bring a dozen breakfast muffins to share and a mug to drink from Saturday morning.  You will be a blessing to others and get blessed at the same time.  We hope to see you at 10:00 A.M.

 

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

 

 

Monday

“Again I say to you that

if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask,

it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name,

I am there in the midst of them.”

~Matthew 18:19-20~

 

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Monday, May 9, 2011

“God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still proclaim Your wonderful works,” (Psalm 71:17, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, praying with you for university students.

Team Munich writes: “Give thanks to the Lord that a great location has been secured for an English Workshop for university students, which will take place on May 9-13. Please pray for the team that is coming to lead and the students who will participate. Pray that this workshop will open doors for a deeper ministry with students in Munich.”

IMB missionaries lead a university student center for indigenous students in Colombia. This semester, they have the biggest group they have ever had eating in the meal program (51 students) and many of these are new faces in the student center. Also, the Friday night Bible studies have doubled in size. They are storying the Book of John chronologically. Pray that God will continue to draw students to Himself, and pray that current Christians will continue to grow in their faith and witness.

Recent graduates from universities in other countries are often eager to teach English in South Korea. They can gain much experience, make a good salary, save money, or pay on their college loans. Koreans can pay up to $300 a month for extra classes outside the regular school day for young people, especially 15-24 years of age, and future jobs are largely determined by the university they attend. Thus, the pressure is great for Korean students to learn English. Pray for Christian teachers to “catch a vision” of the ministry involved in sharing their faith in Christ through relationships with hundreds of students, as well as a lifestyle that pleases the Lord and is noticed by the lost.

* Please pray for the English Workshop this week in Munich, Germany, asking that God will break down the post-modern barriers and open hearts to Him.

* Intercede for university students who are hungry to learn that they will seek out knowledge that will benefit them not just for a lifetime, but for an eternal lifetime.

* Give praise for God’s wonderful works.

 

Pray for teachers and students as they complete their last days of school.

Enjoy this beautiful day from the Lord.

Anna Lee