Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Monday

“We have placed our hope in Him that He will deliver us again.

And you can join in helping with prayer for us,

so that thanks may be given by many

on our behalf for the gift

that came to us through the prayers of many.”

~2 Corinthians 1:10b-11~

Bro. Joey said “Miss” Sadie’s family will meet at McKneely-Vaughn at 1 P.M. today.  Anyone who wishes to join them there is welcome.  There will be a graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Kentwood at 2 P.M.

Please continue to pray for the many people who have colds, coughs, flu, viruses, or sinus problems.  It seems had to recover from some of these issues. but not hard for the problem to go from one member of a family to another one.

Thought For The Day

A teenager, Elizabeth, was nervous as she took the wheel for her first driving lesson. As she was pulling out of the parking lot, the instructor said, “Turn left here, and don’t forget to let the people behind you know what you are doing.”

Elizabeth turned to the students sitting in the backseat and announced, “I’m going left.”

Though it may not have been understood properly, the instruction of the teacher was a valuable piece of advice: “Let the people behind you know what you are doing.”

In Hebrews 2:10, Jesus is referred to as “the author of our salvation” (NKJV). The RSV, though, translates that phrase as “pioneer of our salvation” because the Greek word used in this verse (“archegos”) was a word sometimes used for a pioneer or trailblazer who opened up a territory so that others could follow.

I love the Appalachian Mountains. When I lived in Boone, I often wondered what it would have been like in the early 1700’s to cross those mountains — no interstates, not even any dirt roads, just trees and bushes. There were mountain men who had braved the frontier, but there was no safe and reliable way to get settlers over the mountains. What was needed was for some brave man, a “pioneer”, to open the west by finding the best mountain passes and building a passable road to the west.

The idea of the pioneer is an appropriate image of Christ. He went before us and opened up the way so that we can follow.

But you, too, are called to be an “archegos”, a pioneer who blazes the way for others to follow. There are those who work with you and live around you who are looking to you as they struggle to find the way in their own lives. You may have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and countless others who will be influenced by the legacy you leave behind. Choose your path carefully. And let the people behind you know what you are doing.

May we be able to say with Paul: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (I Cor. 11:1)

–Alan Smith

Do you remember the book In His Steps or the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) fad?

If you think about that question this week, will you live your life any differently?

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Never be lacking in zeal,

but keep your spiritual fervor,

serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.”

~Romans 12:11-12 (NIV)~

Don’t forget this is the Lord’s Day.

KOM Pray (Kids on Mission Pray)

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

GOOD LUCK CHARMS

Have you ever heard the word ‘talisman’ or ‘amulet’?  It’s usually a piece of jewelry or an ornament that people wear or hang in their home or car AND they believe it has magical power to protect against sickness and evil. Sometimes they are called good luck charms. Christians do not trust in talismans—they trust in the power of God Himself!

In Bratislava, Slovakia, kids in elementary schools have a new trend.  They are making talisman and bringing them to school for ‘luck’ and ‘feeling better’ about school and life.  Kids as young as second grade have caught on to this fad.  They are very serious, thinking that the piece of jewelry can help them get better grades or make more friends.
Go to http://kompray.imb.org to read more of this story and find prayer requests from Missionary Kids (MKs) around the world! If the link does not work, you will find the complete story by going to imb.org then click on the PRAY tab and then the KOMpray link.

KOMpray: Kids on Mission Pray is a work in progress. We offer prayer requests about children—children around the world who are just learning about Jesus and Missionary Kids (MKs) who share His love along with their parents. The goal is to encourage children of all ages to pray and trust God to answer!
KOMpray@imb.org.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

January 21, 2011

Saturday

“Don’t just pretend that you love others.

Really love them.

Hate what is evil.

Stand on the side of the good.

Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honoring each other.”

~Romans 12:9-10 (NLT)~

Pray for Savana Allen, David and Fannie’s daughter.  She was diagnosed with H1N1 flu yesterday.  Pray for the other family members as they try to care for Savana and stay well.

Jadon’s Story: Quick Update

The topamax wean is going great so far. I’m not having any increase in seizures. I’m now on 45mg in the morning and 45mg at night. We will decrease it again next Thursday. Please continue to pray that I can get off this medicine. Other than that my mommy and daddy are enjoying seeing me happy and more alert. They are also very thankful that my seizures are staying about the same. Obviously we would like them to decrease but we are very thankful that they are staying under 100. They are also very mild. I’m not losing control of my entire body like I was. In fact, I can have them and still remain sitting. I’m also not hitting my head on things. So this is all great news. Thanks for praying for me!! Love, Jadon

Pray for older folks.  Weather extremes are often hard on them.  See if one of your neighbors or friends needs some special help with something.  Both of you will be blessed!

Find some time to help others with errands or appointments.   Make yourself available.  Again, you will be blessed.

I just received an urgent request for prayer for an unborn MK baby who has developed a problem that will require surgery at birth.  Pray they can quickly and safely get to a place where the baby can receive the proper care.  I do not know this family, but will pray for them and hope you will too.

Baptist Press Stories for Jan. 21, 2011
—————————————
  • Sudanese secession vote could open door for Gospel
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34489
  • Thanks to caring employee at pregnancy center, mom keeps baby, finds Christ
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34490
  • Bills would bar federal funds for abortion
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34491
  • Lankford pro-life speech gains following
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34492
  • ‘Turn toward home,’ Wright urges SBC
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34493
  • CRISIS IN TUNISIA: Arab world, Mideast Christians ponder populist revolution
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34494
  • Tunisia: Fertile ground for early Christianity
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34495
  • Land withdraws from interfaith coalition
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34501
  • LIFE DIGEST: Ruling may draw abortion-seeking teens to Ky.;
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34496
  • SANCTITY OF LIFE: ‘A Scent of Jasmine,’ a novel, Chapter 6
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34497
  • FIRST-PERSON: The deadly logic of abortion
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34498
  • FIRST-PERSON: One family’s adoption choice
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34499
  • FIRST-PERSON: Nutty Berkeley strikes again
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34500

Charles Anthony “CA” Hammatt

(March 28, 1942 – January 21, 2011)

Charles Anthony “CA” Hammatt was born March 28, 1942 and passed away at 6:25 a.m., Friday, January 21, 2011 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. He was 68, a native of Donaldsonville and a resident of Greensburg.

CA is survived by wife of 29 years, Earline A. Hammatt, Greensburg; 3 daughters, Lisa Cutrer, Roseland, Joyce Bryant and husband Roger, Amite & Debbie Hammatt, Amite; 3 step daughters, Evelyn Evans and husband Donald, Magnolia, MS, Cathy Stewart and husband Duck, Greensburg & Sue Ball, Danville, OH; son, Curtis Hammatt, Zachary; 2 step sons, Elmer Whitehead, Greensburg & Clint Whitehead and wife Louise, Denham Springs; 3 sisters, Joyce Core, Central; Catherine “Cat” Bradley, Gonzales; Mamie Cade, Gonzales; 2 brothers Ricky Rodriguez, Gonzales & Paul Rodriguez, Gonzales; 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; 14 step grandchildren; 39 great step-grandchildren & 2 great great-step-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by parents, George Wilson and Louella Fugler Hammatt; sister, Josie Berceajuey.

Visitation at House of Prayer, Walker, LA from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2011 and on Sunday, January 23, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Worship Service at 12:00 Noon in the Church with Bro. Ray McDonald officiating . Interment in the Church Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

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

THIS VERY DAY, among some 300 million Americans…

  • The number of people identified as “nonreligious” or having “no religion” will grow by 10,337.
  • The number of Mormons will grow by 1,787.
  • The number of Jews will grow by 1,063.
  • The number of Muslims will grow by 414.
  • The number of Buddhists will grow by 406.
  • The number of Hindus will grow by 288.
  • The number of Wicca followers will grow by 115.

But how many, this very same day, will decide to follow Jesus?  From Missing in America, p. 9

How will these people learn about Jesus?  Who will teach them His Word?

“Then He said to them all,

‘If anyone desires to come after Me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow Me.'”

~Luke 9.23~


Thanks for praying today.  Please feel free to share requests, updates, and praises.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,

and each one will receive his own reward

according to his own labor.

For we are God’s fellow workers;

you are God’s field,

you are God’s building.”

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9~

Please continue to pray for these people who have been on our prayer list:

  • Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell
  • Mrs. Kathryn Sanders
  • Mrs. Sadie Hilburn
  • Jeff Birch
  • Mr. Gordon Price
  • Elizabeth Cooper
  • Mrs. Shirley Frazier
  • Rev. Gary Weiborg
  • Mrs. Frances Gay
  • Ashlyn Neal
  • Stacey Scarle

There are several funerals today.  Please pray for the Baugh family in Florida, the family of Tressie Gayle Foster in Denham Springs, and others.

Don’t forget the “Third Thursday” meeting at the cabin tonight at 6:30.  Join us for food, fellowship, devotional time, and prayer.  You’ll be blessed!

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
JANUARY 20, 2011

“But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time.” (Psalm 69:13)

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 Supreme Pontiff, Roman Catholic Church – Benedict XVI, Pope of Holy See (Vatican City, within commune of Rome, Italy).

AR OF COLOMBIA (ahr). Thank you for your prayers for the missionaries who work with the Ar of Colombia, asking that God would walk with them as they adjusted to a new city, new environment, and renewed work strategy. They are now comfortably settled in their home and neighborhood, their daughter is in school, and they have begun to make contacts with the Ar people. One woman, V, has invited them to visit in her home once a week for a time of Bible study. Two other women have expressed an interest in studying the Bible but live in a more isolated area, making it more difficult for the missionaries to coordinate a regular time of meeting. Pray that God will go before and open times for the missionaries to meet with these two Ar women. Pray that all three women will receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and that many other Ar people will have the desire to know God. brenlar@kastanet.org

OSAKA, JAPAN (OH-sah-kah). Mrs. E rises early each morning to make sure that all of her housework is completed before she leaves for her job of selling rice cakes at a sports complex. Recently when she met a Christian for the first time, she said, “Oh, every morning I listen to a radio program about Jesus being the Light of the world.” She then quoted some verses she had memorized from that program. Pray that as she reads God’s Word with her new Christian friend, she will have the faith to believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord. She was fascinated with the idea of Jesus being Light. Pray that she, too, will become a light among her lost friends and neighbors.

KneEmail

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

ONE CHURCH CONSULTANT SAYS: “Most Christians don’t have a clue to what the mission of the church is…

Up to 80 percent of church members believe that the primary purpose of the church is to provide a place of fellowship where Christians can share God’s love with one another rather than reach out to those who are unchurched…”

…According to researcher George Barna, “Nine out of ten preachers call their church ‘evangelistic.’  However, less than one of of three church attenders has shared his or her faith in Christ with a non-Christian within the past twelve months…”  Tom Clegg, Warren Bird, “Discovering What We All Have in Common,”Missing in America, 87

“How I kept back nothing that was helpful,

but proclaimed it to you,

and taught you publicly and from house to house.”

Acts 20.20

Have a terrific Thursday!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Do not think of your self more highly than you ought,

but rather think of yourself with sober judgment

in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

~Romans 12:3 (NIV)~

The Amite Mission Team made it safely home from their trip.  Keep your ears open for reports from various members of the team.  Thank God these people willingly gave of themselves to help introduce others to God.  Thank God for people who seized the opportunity to be a witness for Him.

Jeff Birch is doing well, even though he is sore.  He was up walking the halls twice yesterday.  Sandy is able to stay with him.  They are thankful for the surgeon and the hospital.  Thank God for the progress he is making.

An opportunity you have to help a sick child:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

Baptist Press Stories for Jan. 18, 2011
—————————————
  • Voters silenced: Sup. Court lets stand D.C. ‘gay marriage’ ruling
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34456
  • House to vote on health-care repeal Wed.
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34457
  • Snowbound, pastor preaches via web
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34458
  • Floods take a toll in 3 countries
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34459
  • EU calendar omits Christmas, Easter
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34460
  • SANCTITY OF LIFE: ‘A Scent of Jasmine,’ a novel, Chapter 3
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34461
  • FIRST-PERSON: Jesus’ journey to us
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34462

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

WHEN A LIFE is at stake, people respond instinctively to the crisis…

  • The fireman hurls himself into a burning building to rescue a frightened boy.
  • A mother darts in front of an onrushing automobile to grab a stray child.
  • An average swimmer jumps into a rushing stream to grab a drowning stranger.

What is it that prompts such heroic acts?  One thing–the sure knowledge of the consequences if they do not attempt the rescue.

If evangelism is to become natural in the church, we must have a full knowledge of the consequences if we fail to reach out.  Ken Hemphill, “Passion for the Lost,” The Antioch Effect, 153

“But others save with fear,

pulling them out of the fire,

hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”

~Jude 23~

May your blessing be many today.  May you realize the many ways God has blessed you!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“God will bless us,

and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.”

~Psalm 67:7~

Ferrin Hendry is improving and at home.  Thank-you for praying for her.

The people on the mission trip from Amite have enjoyed passing out “shoe boxes”.  Pray for them as they complete their mission and return to Amite.

Jeff Birch is doing still well.  Pray for him as he recovers from yesterday’s surgery.

CaringBridge: Macy Gueldner

Hazel Golmon Shelby
(December 9, 1909 – January 17, 2011)

A resident of Franklinton, she died at 12:40 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2011 at her home. She was born December 9, 1909 in Pike County, MS and was 101 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Baker Correnti and her husband, Frank, Kenner; 3 sons, Douglas Baker and his wife, Ann, Pensacola, FL, Edgar Albert Baker, Hammond and Jimmie Stokes and his wife, Elizabeth, Franklinton; 9 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Dora Hafford, Post, TX, Thelma Stevenson, Hammond and Christina Milani, Jackson, MS. Preceded in death by her husbands, Edgar Baker, Otis Stokes, Dave Gill and Marvin Earl “Jack” Shelby; 2 sisters, Maybelle Cleveland and Mamie Golmon; 5 brothers, Mack Henry Golmon, Mack Henison Golmon, Archie Golmon, Herman Golmon and Tollie Golmon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. Services conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Stokes. Interment Roberts Cemetery, Osyka, MS.

After son’s death, parents continue ministry in Africa (Baptist Press)

KneEmail

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

AUBREY MALPHURS DESCRIBES a leader without a clear vision to that of a person trying to drive blindfolded…

If this is the case, then according to research, the majority of church leaders are driving congregations blindly.  In these cases, there is a mixture of “no vision” and “unclear vision.”  This is to say that there are a number of times that as church leaders we believe that a vision is clear when in reality it is not.

A vision cannot be clearly communicated to others until God’s vision has been articulated within a congregation’s leadership.  Clarity yields clarity while uncertainty yields doubt and uncertainty.  Kenny Norris

“Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.”  Nehemiah 2.17; cf. Luke 6.39


Thanks for praying.

Anna Lee

Monday Update

Jeff Birch’s surgery went well.  Thanks for the prayers for him and his family.

Ferrin Hendry is doing much better.  She may be released this afternoon.

Bro. Joe Baugh’s mother (94) passed away.  As of now the plans are for a wake Wednesday night and the funeral Thursday in Florida.  Pray for the family.  Many of them will be driving or flying long distances.

Monday

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casts out fear,

because fear involves punishment,

and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”

~1 John 4:18, NASB~

Associational WMU Meeting

Today at 10:00 A.M.

FBC, Kentwood

Everyone is invited

Covered dish meal to follow

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
JANUARY 17, 2011

“May God be praised! He has not turned away my prayer or turned His faithful love from me.” (Psalm 66:20)

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 Carlos Gomes, Jr. of Guinea-Bissau (western Africa, between Senegal and Guinea).

LAST FRONTIER. Thank you for praying for the November volunteer team that taught English to youth in a remote, mountainous area using two dramas. Both dramas were introduced in three different classes of students, ages 10 to 14 years. Several students have inquired about the concept of being a Good Samaritan and the consequences of not being a Good Samaritan. T, an 11-year-old girl, has especially been sensitive to this drama. She has shared about her difficult home life, as well as current living conditions. Please pray for her and her family, asking that the Spirit will use this drama to draw them to Jesus. Another young girl, G, heard the story of “The Prodigal Son,” which focused on a Father’s love. She cried as she told a worker how her father had left her mother for another young woman. Both G and her mother are followers of the Most High God. They endure hardships created by family, friends and officials who approve of her father’s actions. Lift up G and her mother, asking that the Spirit will bring healing to their hearts. Pray that the Spirit will work in her father’s heart so that he, too, will give his heart to Jesus.

PEOPLES OF NORTHERN ZAMBIA. Ten years ago, there was but one Baptist church in all of Luwingu district, but the Lord worked through a missionary family who served in Luwingu for the past eight years, and now many Zambians have been evangelized, saved, discipled and trained to lead fellow Zambians to Christ. There are now 12 churches and four outreach groups that have one vision and one mission: to reach the Luwingu district of northern Zambia with the Gospel of Jesus! Although the time for permanent missionaries in Luwingu has come to a close, the work of God will continue! Pray that these churches and believers will not become discouraged, but will be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Please pray that these churches will continue to be on fire for the Lord and be passionate about spreading the life-changing message of Jesus.

Have a great day!

Anna Lee