Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Saturday

“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,

For You will answer me.”

~Psalm 86:7~

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell will have the needed procedure on January 7th.  Please pray for her in the meantime.  Also, pray for her family and for the medical staff that will be working with her.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1970, dawned as a quiet day in the news…

None of the news stories had an particular sense of urgency–a small plane crashed in Iowa, the anti-war movement continued to grow, people blamed John and Yoko’s marriage for the breakup of the Beatles, the Senators beat the Red Sox 6-5, the Brewers swept a doubleheader with the White Sox 5-2, 16-2, and Apollo 13 rocketed its way to the moon.

This ho-hum day received a powerful jolt at 10:08 p.m. (EST).  The Apollo 13 flight–two days, seven hours, and 54 minutes into a routine mission–experienced a terrible mishap.  Moments later, from a distance of 203,980 miles, the now immortal words of astronaut Jack Swigert crossed the void of space and crackled over the speakers of Mission Control: “OK, Houston, we’ve had a problem here.”  In disbelief, the controllers radioed back, “This is Houston, Say again please.”  Jim Lovell then spoke five words that confirmed the alarm: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.”

Apollo 13’s five-word message galvanized NASA into action and arrested the attention of an otherwise distracted public.

Amazingly, the next day, both the House and Senate passed resolutions calling on the American people to pray.  At St. Peter’s Square, the pope led 50,000 people in prayer for the safe return of the astronauts.  In New York City, thousands of people gathered to read the news headlines and to pray in Times Square.  Walter Cronkite summarized everyone’s concern: “Perhaps never in human history has the entire world been so united by such a global drama.”  As the world watched and prayed, NASA raced to find a solution and eventually did succeed in returning the crew of Apollo 13 safely to Earth.

The words “Houston, we’ve had a problem” communicated powerfully in 1970.  Today we need to articulate an even greater dilemma, “Christians, we have a problem.”  Many of us are going about our lives, ignoring the millions of desperate, unrecognized cries for help.  We’re letting an increasing number of our neighbors and friends die without the life-giving news of Jesus Christ.  Our words may affirm our concern, but our behavior indicates that that we really don’t care. Tom Clegg and Warren Bird, “Reaching People Who Don’t Believe They Are Lost,” Missing in America, 50-51

1 “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.

2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”

Romans 10.1-2

Have a great day!  Make preparations to be in the Lord’s House tomorrow.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“May your kingdom come,

may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”

~Matthew 6:7-9 (NCV)~


Thank God for another beautiful day.  He likes to hear from us on a regular basis!  While you are at it, thank him for your health, a roof over your  head, food to eat, family and friends who care about you, etc.

Jeff Birch continues to do well following his surgery last week.  He’s now sitting in the shop and anxious to be back to full speed.  Thanks to his surgery, he is able to eat again.

Rene Deck is now home from her back surgery.  Pray for her as she recovers.

Be careful about the flu.  It seems to be everywhere!

Continue to pray for Jon-Michael Williams.  He is still hospitalized in New Orleans and in a coma more than two months after the accident.  Friends are hoping to get an Extreme Home Makeover for the trailer where he lives so that will include handicapped features that will be needed.  Those who would like to help can send an email to his former baseball coach and “best friend”.   All the emails will be sent to Extreme Home Makeover next week. To join others in this you can write your email to Extreme Home Makeovers and send it to RobbieRoubique@hotmail.com.  He will print all the emails and sent them in.  We’ve prayed for Jon-Michal and his mother, Brenda.  Let put some action into those prayers.  Remember, Monday is the deadline, so go ahead and send your email today.

Jadon’s Story

Orthopedic and Pediatrician Appointments

I went to the orthopedic this morning. He said that everything is absolutely fine. My feet curve in but he said that it is normal. When you are in the womb that is how you are positioned. Since I’m just putting weight on my feet, mine haven’t straightened out yet. So no its not normal for a babies feet to look like that at my age but it is ok because of my situation. He said that now that I’m putting weight on my feet they should straighten out. He wants to see me again in 6 months but he thinks everything is going to be just fine. We are so glad that it wasn’t a bone issues. He also checked my spine and hips while I was there. He said that both of them are normal too. So great news from that doctor. Now on to the pediatrician. We didn’t get good results from her. She said that I’m wheezing pretty badly. So that means xopenex. I’m not going to get better until I take these breathing treatment. So my pediatrician called my neurologist. By the way, I just love that my pediatrician takes the time to consult with my neurologist. She always looks out for me. They decided to put me on xopenex and continue the steroids. We hope that the steroids keep my seizures down while I’m on the xopenex. I have only had about 30 spasms today. They are still very light and barely recognizable. I’m still doing new things. I’m using my right hand very consistently now. In fact you can barely tell that its my weaker side. I’m also moving all around. I don’t move forward but I’m very good at moving backwards. If you look at the picture above, you will see me on the rug at Mar’s house. My mommy put me on the blue pallet and look how far I moved. Now I just have to learn how to go forward. My mommy also has to watch me really closely. I can pick up all kinds of things off the floor and guess where they go. Yep straight to my mouth. Please pray that I will get rid of this RSV. We are so ready for it to go away. Also pray that the xopenex won’t cause my seizures to go way up. I’ll keep you updated.

Pray for the Brabham family as they lay another member to rest at Pine Ridge today.

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
JANUARY 27, 2011

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19a)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for President Pratibha Devisingh Patil of India (southern Asia).

BASQUE OF WESTERN EUROPE (bahsk). We may have spent many hours before the Lord, seeking His face and will. But sometimes it isn’t until we face devastation that the Lord opens our eyes to what He is doing and where He wants us to focus. This is precisely what happened to Matthew, a member of the Basque Team. Everything he had previously tried was unsuccessful or didn’t flourish. His wife, Bethany, noticing that he was really down, just asked him a simple question: “What do you miss doing?” “I miss American football!” he replied. With that, came his answer. He got on his computer and did a search on American football in his city and . . . presto! There it was: a team not too far from his house. He began to attend practice. He realized that you really don’t get to know someone until you get down in the dirt and mud with them. Never before had he thought that you could do something you love and reach people with the Gospel at the same time. Since joining the team, Matthew has been able to minister to his coach, whose sister is fighting cancer. Not only that, but Matthew and the coach have a vision to begin a group of Christian Athletes. Please ask the Lord to guide Matthew as he begins this outreach with his teammates. Pray that the team will respond positively to his invitation to join this group. And lastly, ask the Lord to give Matthew the words and message that his teammates need to hear.

TAICHUNG, TAIWAN (tie-joeng). The older generation of Taiwanese has been one of the hardest groups to reach. Years of cultural tradition keep them worshipping ancestors and a plethora of gods. They also have a strong influence on the subsequent generations, both by teaching their grandchildren these practices, even from an early age, and threatening their children with trouble in the family if they accept Christ. Please pray for this generation to be turned to the truth of Christ before it is too late for them. Pray that as the Lord opens up their hearts, it will result in greater freedom and openness for the younger generations also to follow the one and only true God, Jesus Christ.

Please don’t forget that email for Jon-Michael.  Pass the word to others so they can send one too.

Have a terriffic Thursday!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“When you pray, you should pray like this,

‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name …”

~Matthew 6:7-9 (NCV)~

Baby Abigail Wilson

Our great niece who is 6-weeks old is undergoing heart surgery tomorrow at Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital. They hope to repair a twisted aorta. The grandmother is the daughter of Wayne’s brother. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
Thank you,
Mary Criswell

Unborn MK Baby

The family made it to the other country and was seen by a doctor who confirmed the heart problem.  Surgery to deliver the baby and work on the baby’s heart will be Thursday.  Both grandmothers on hurrying to get with the family.  Please pray for all involved.

Stacey Scarle

Stacey had a Dr appt today. She will have to have more chemo before radiation. We see oncologist on Feb 10 and will know more at that time. Thanks for the continued prayers.

Joan (mother)

Lois Widas Bennett
(March 9, 1922 – January 24, 2011)

“Aunt” Lois is my uncle’s sister and was in my life periodically as I grew up.

A resident of Baton Rouge, she died at 4:45 a.m. on Monday, January 24, 2011 at Flannery Oaks Nursing Home in Baton Rouge. She was born March 9, 1922 in Foxworth, MS and was 88 years of age. A private family graveside will be held at Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Michael L. Clevenger
(June 16, 1945 – January 23, 2011)

Michael L. Clevenger was born June 16, 1945 and passed away at 11:40 p.m., Sunday, January 23, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 65, a native of Wilmington, Ohio and a resident of Roseland.

Michael served our country in the United States Air Force.

He is survived by 3 daughters, Michelle Miller, Roseland, Shanna Clevenger, Metairie & Victoria C. Fields and husband Patrick, Roseland; son, Mathew Clevenger, Loveland, Ohio; 2 sisters, Barbara Riehle, Morrowe, Ohio and Janet Zurface and husband Terry, Wilmington, Ohio; 8 grandchildren, John, Seth & Noah Miller, Alexandra, Michael & Brooke Fields, Tiffany and Taylor Markins.

Preceded in death by his parents, Garner & Mildred C. Clevenger; wife Joyce Ann Clevenger; 2 daughters, Sheri Clevenger & Carrie Clevenger; brother, Harley and 4 sisters, Julie, Joyce, Dorothy & Judith.

As Michael’s request his body has been donated to the LSU Anatomical Services, New Orleans, La for medical research.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday January 28, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W next to Hood Chevrolet and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express.

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
JANUARY 26, 2011

“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galations 6:2)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir of Iceland (island in the North Atlantic Ocean).

VOKKALIGA OF INDIA (vo-kah-LEE-gah). “The sound of praises being lifted up in a foreign language still resounds in the American’s ears. It is his first opportunity to attend a training, and although he cannot understand the words, he is humbled by the worship that is taking place. In the new year, lots of volunteers from the United States will be coming to our state to lead conferences in order to equip and disciple national believers. More than 100 nationals will be attending. God is at work in K state! Please pray for safety during these trainings, and ask that the hand of the evil one will be stayed from hindering any from coming who plan to attend. Please also pray for the health of the trainers, and ask that those coming from the United States will return home and spread the word of what God is doing in South Asia.”http://www.go2southasia.org/

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES. “The Makonde (pronounced mah-KON-deh) of northern Mozambique are a Muslim people group with strong animistic roots. They have received a limited Christian witness. The area where the Makonde live is isolated and not easy to get to. We continue to seek and pray for personnel to fill the priority request to live and work among the Makonde in northern Mozambique. Would you please pray that God will put it on the heart of someone to serve in this area?” http://prayerthreads.imb.org

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

I CANNOT OVERSTATE how frightening it is to lose a sense of control or influence…

People will even chose to stay in familiar situations that they know are not working rather than face the ambiguity of the unknown.  Many times, a battered wife will remain for years, even a lifetime, with a physically violent husband.  Women have reported that, among other reasons, they have stayed with brutal husbands because breaking out of the relationship was even more frightening than the beatings.  Even though the situation may be physically and emotionally abusive, such women have at least learned what to expect, and there is an odd comfort in being able to anticipate the future–even a negative future.

Before you discount the “battered-wife” syndrome as an unusual predicament that doesn’t reflect your situation, ask yourself when you last stayed in a bad situation longer that you should have.  For most of us, the unknown is so terrifying that we will remain with what we have long after it is apparent that it is punishing to do so.  Daryl Conner, “The Process of Change,” Managing at the Speed of Change, 89

15 “When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” 16 And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.” Genesis 19.15-16  (emphasis mine–mb)

Thank-you for praying.  Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Lord, every morning you hear my voice.

Every morning, I tell you what I need,

and I wait for your answer.”

~Psalm 5:3 (NCV)~

Thank-you for praying for the unborn MK in another country.  The family has been granted permission to enter a nearby county.  Now, pray for the airlines to allow the mother to travel so late in her pregnancy.  begin to pray for the doctors who who deliver the baby and perform the heart surgery he needs.

Mr. Gordon Price continues to improve at home.  Thank God for home health care.  Continue to keep him in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for Jon Michael Williams and his mother.

http://www.actionnews17.com/News/tabid/59/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5461/Big-Brother-hopes-1000-letters-will-deliver-Extreme-Home-Makeover-for-Jon-Michael-Williams.aspx

Daniel Edwards “Dan” Brabham

A former operator with Shell Chemical, native of Greensburg and resident of Prairieville, he passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, in Baton Rouge, at the age of 69. He also formerly taught high-school chemistry and math in Tangipahoa Parish. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He attended the University of Arkansas and LSU, receiving a bachelor’s degree in vocational agriculture and numerous academic recognitions through honor societies: Omnicron Delta Kappa, Gamma Sigma Delta, Alpha Tau Alpha, Phi Beta Phi, as well as Academic All-American. He played football at college and professional levels, receiving distinction as an All-Southwest Conference recipient (1962) and as the third leading rusher in the SWC during his first year as fullback. He was the first-round draft pick for the Houston Oilers and later traded to the Cincinatti Bengals, his career spanning from 1963-1968. He was a lifelong crusader for change, having smoking banned in his workplace in the 1980s and founding the Louisiana Fisherman’s Forum. He enjoyed genealogy (tracing his family history to Scotland and organizing reunions), hand-grabbing for catfish (featured sportsman in Louisiana Conservationist and in a filmed documentary), aviation (acquired his pilot’s license), writing poetry and music, and spinning yarns surrounded by family and friends. Additionally, he was a steam locomotive and history buff, a self-taught player of the guitar and piano, and an avid reader. Visitation at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, on Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday at Pine Ridge Methodist Church, Greensburg, from 8 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. John Locascio. Interment will follow at Pine Ridge Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensburg. He is survived by his wife, Tricou “Bunny” Petit Brabham, of Prairieville; sons and daughters-in-law, Bart and Mary Lou Brabham, of Tulsa, Okla., and Dan Jr. and Ilusion Brabham, of Jacksonville, Fla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Payton and Ricky Mincey, of Prairieiville; brother and sister-in-law, David and Connie Brabham, of Kentwood; four grandchildren, Josh and Luke Brabham and Darien and Zachary Mincey; sisters-in-law, Linda Craddock, of Hammond, and Virginia Brabham, of St. Helena. Preceded in death by his parents, William Hardy and Emma Lee Blades Brabham; and brothers, Billy and Ronnie Brabham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Sports Legacy Institute, (for research on brain-related sports injuries), P.O. Box 181225, Boston, MA 02118 or Alzheimer’s Services of the Capitol Area, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

WE ARE ALL going to make house payments, and we are all going to try to raise our kids, and we are all going to do the mundane stuff that life just includes…

What are you going to do that is great for eternity?

What are you going to do that is great for the kingdom of God?

What are you going to do that is going to make you feel proud when you stand before your Savior someday with some calluses on your hands saying I was a player?

What are you going to do?  Aubrey Malphurs, Appendix B, “Developing a Vision for Ministry,” 216

“…So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’  Then they set their hands to do this good work.” Nehemiah 2:18b


Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee