Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Sunday

“Dear friends,

let us continue to love one another,

for love comes from God.

Anyone who loves

is born of God and knows God.”

~1 John 4:7 NLT~



Jimmy and Retia Dukes

Thats what friends are for:

We often think and say this but it is true. Whether it is a starbucks card, getting a pool pump, or just calling to check on you when things happen, or whatever, you know what I am saying. Like when you get slipped 60$ by a patient who knows you don’t have to have this money but did it from his heart listening to God. Or when another patient who connects with someone 30min from home, at a garden store no less and talks of booneville, Dr. Dukes and his parents and then shows up to your office with a tomato plant for your mom. Like I said that is what friends are for and my family has been blessed with them and we are thankful for all of you. Still fairly overwhelming after 4 weeks, not just this sureal tragedy, but the outpouring of love an prayer to the Father. I often think I dont need anyone, but this has disproven that. We need each other and we need Him. Isnt it funny that the greatest commandments are to Love Him and to love others!

Does that ever trip anyone else out, that the creator of the universe, the all knower, the all powerful one and only true God cares for us and came near to us and wants relationship with us. He listens to us as we pour out our hearts and empty ourselves to Him for Jimmy and Retia Dukes. May he answer our prayer as we ask for complete healing and recovery for them.

I can count on about 3 hands the number of doctors I like, dentist, sorry Ken and Catherine and Jeff and Bo, are even fewer and further between, mostly cause the pain they inflict on me. but doctors bother me more because I am one. This last month I have been on the other side and hope that I listen more better, sorry big O for the grammer, and communicate more and better than the ones I have had to deal with from this side. I am praying for my attitude but I must say pray with me. They have not communicated at all, it is like pulling teeth.

Mom, is opening her eyes and responding. she stayed awake today for over 8 hours and interacted with me some shaking her head yes or no, respectively and correctly depending on what I asked her. She moved her feet at command, both feet. However, she is still far from out of the woods. Please, Please, Please, be ever fervent in your prayers as this time is as crucial as the first 3 weeks before she showed signs of life. She needs to continue to progress, moving and keeping her airway open and breathing on her on when they cap her tracheostomy. They did that today about 5mins and she did about as well as expected for someone who has not had to breath without aid for 4 weeks. Please pray for healing of wounds a 3×5 cm decubitus on her sacrum and other lesser skin wounds and that she would be protected from other infection. Pray for dad as he continues to heal. Pray for his spirit to be full of peace and joy from the Father as he worries about mom and finances. Pray for the logistics of the surgery to come and at some point movement back to Orlando. Pray for strength for rehab. Again, Jason and I thank the tens of thousands of you who are praying and our God is faithful to hear the prayer of those He loves and who love Him.

Duct tape can’t fix this: My wife fixed our pool pump today in the middle of a torental downpour. I think she used the whole roll but it worked. But only our God can fix this situation. Keep praying.

I thought the last two days about the overwhelming response mom and dad have recieved and wondered why? It made me think of effect, affect and infect. They have lived their lives transparently loving on others as God has loved them and in the process they have effected: Made an effective difference in, changed them cared for them and showed kindness and encouragement and Loved them. They have affected: Like when you put the cream on the affected area. The poison oak is what affected your skin. They have touched others and affected them they have made them better. They have also infected them: with the affect of their effect they have gotten into the heads and hearts of all us and made all of us act differently even if it is just when we are around them. They have changed so many lives and I am thankful to be one of them. Praise be to my God for my mom and dad. May we all have an effect, affect and infectiveness on others as we let Him live through us.

Dr. Kelly, president of the New Orleans Baptist Seminary, has set up a fund for mom and dads recovery. It will be used for bills after all insurance has run out. If there is any money left over it will be used for a sholarship fund in their name. The only way dad would have it, to think of students and their benefit, as they have been in the forefront of his mind always. If you care to give contact the Seminary on the web or by phone and they will help you give tax deductibly. Oh yeah since I feel like I am giving a commercial BUY Jasons book it is coming soon.



Don Denton

Don is still stable and that we are so thankful for. We will meet with the neurosurgeon Sunday afternoon to go over the details of the surgery.

What we know is this. Don will have a meningial biopsy of the brain on Monday afternoon. This surgery will take from 3 to 6 hours depending on what they find. If it goes into six hours, they will be also putting a shunt in and that will mean two surgerys.

This is a difficult surgery. He will know more tomorrow about what to expect. Once Don is out of surgery, he will be in ICU till he is stable.

Today is seven days we have been in St. Louis. We miss home again and we miss our friends and church. Don is still having headaches, nausea and he usually does not keep down what he drinks for liquids. Today his blood pressure went pretty low.

So Monday will be a big day with the surgery. I will not be able to post probably until last Monday night. If anything should change between now and Monday I will post it.

Please pray for a successful surgery with no complications. Brain surgery as you know is risky. We are praying that his neurosurgeon will have wisdom. We are praying for good results and a diagnosis. We so need a diagnosis so they can treat this disease in the best possible way.

Today was a very long day for us. I am pretty emotional today. I find that when I get the sleep I need it really makes a difference.

One other thing I would ask you to pray for. Joshua’s birthday is the 15th of this month. I am asking God to get us through this time, so that Joshua will not have to endure a difficult birthday this year. We are hoping to do life as normal as possible especially for his birthday.

Don is so grateful to you all for all that you have done for us and all that you continue to do to help us. I am too. We are so grateful for God’s mercy and goodness to us. We are holding onto the hope that is in Christ. I believe that we are going to get past this.

I am thankful to you our family and friends for your precious love extended to us. We are so blessed. And for those of you who I don’t know that post on caringbridge. Thank you for your committment to praying for us and for you precious words of hope and peace. Thank you for each of you. You have been the “Christ” to us. Your words of hope and encouragment are a healing balm to my soul. I could not make it through this without all of you walking with us through this.

Bless you!


Pray for my former student, Cindy, as she has heart surgery tomorrow. Pray for peace of mind as she submits her health to surgeons.


Thanks for your prayers and concerns for my mother. She is back to where she was before her hospitalization two weeks ago. Please continue to pray for Momma and Daddy as they care for each other daily.

Dakota Brooke, grandson of another former student, is doing better. He is still less than two weeks old and in NICU still, but progressing – baby steps! Please continue to pray.


Greg Corkern, husband of yet another former student, has been released from the hospital. Pray for him as he makes changes in his life to help with his heart problems.

Prayer concerns for IMB personnel in Romania

Dear Prayer Partners,

Donna Brown is at the CEE ladies retreat right now in Krakow Poland. So hopefully the May prayer calendar will be sent out the beginning of next week. Pray for the ladies as they studying God’s Word and enjoy the time together. (Jennie drove a group of ladies from her area to the same retreat)

I do have a few prayer requests you can pray for while waiting for it.

Please continue to pray for Larry and Peggy Carnes as they seek God’s direction in their lives. They are back in the US in Gastonia NC (at the church where Frank and Mary Alice Fox atten). Peggy has been to the neurosurgeon and he says she will probably have to have surgery on the cervical vertebrae (upper neck) before the lower. She had a spinal block on the upper part on last Thursday and had one on the lower back two days ago and another on the lower back after 2 weeks. The doctor is trying to avoid lower back surgery, but we will see. Please continue to pray for Peggy during this process. Samuel and Maricatherine are finishing up homeschooling. (The Carnes family shared a duplex with the Hatchels in Bucharest.)

I have not received an update from Floyd and Freda Angeletti. (The have a daughter who lives in McComb.) They are in Harrisburg PA. Freda was to have had test at John Hopkins last Thursday. Please pray for her as she finds out if she will have to have more surgery. Also pray for them to know where the Lord wants them to serve him next.

I heard from Bob and Diane Wagstaff this morning. They are currently on stateside assignment. They are due to return to Romania July 10th. They have been busy speaking at different conferences. The latest were in LA and AR. The next one in about two weeks will be in Washington state. They ask for prayer for the South Carolina team that is currently in Craiova Romania ministering with Bob and Margie Craig and the Romanian team they work with. Also pray for Bob and Diane as they finish up medical tests during the next week so they can be cleared to return to Romania. They also wrote “we are praising God that Raul and Ana and Kevin and Michelle, our Canadian missionary co-workers, all returned to Romania safely and that they (the Canadians) raised 93% of the support they felt they needed while they were in Canada for three months. Our other praise is that our son, Pete seems to be settling into his life and teaching job in South Korea in spite of the fact that the food is a challenge for him. Also we are thankful for the opportunity to visit my sister and Adela (Romanian), whom we took to America with us in 1995 before and after our conference in WA.” Roger and I are hoping to see them before they return to Romania.

Please continue to pray for a job for Roger. We learned yesterday the job he interviewed for three weeks ago he did not get. We know the Lord has the perfect job for Roger but of course I am ready for Roger to have it now. J He has kept busy working on items inside and outside the house. Yesterday and today Roger is in San Antonio attending an organic church conference with a pastor friend. We are also on baby watch. Our daughter-in-law could have her baby anytime. Her due date is May 17th. I am hoping Kelly has the baby before Mother’s day. Jordan and Kyle have finals at Union University the third week of May. Pray they can stay focused as they study and finish up the semester.

Thank you for praying for these prayer requests and for the work God is doing in and through his missionaries in Romania.

Love,

Melinda

(Melinda and Roger just complete their service in Romania and are making their home in Texas near family members.)



“Down by the Creek Bank” will be presented by the children’s choir of FBC, Kentwood tonight at 6 P.M. If you remember the presentation by that name of twenty-five years ago, you will be delighted to know the musical is the same, just a different generation of children presenting it. Come and support the children and the adults who have worked with them.


KneEmail

Mike Benson

Encourage

abmk.jpgMARY KAY ASH encouraged her employees at Mary Kay with a an attitude of celebration and blessing…

She signed hundreds of birthday cards offering free lunch and a free movie. She commemorated employees’ “blessed events” such as weddings and babies with personal gifts. She put flowers and white tablecloths in the company cafeteria, and perfume and makeup (Mary Kay brand, of course) in the rest rooms. A sign outside her office read “Department of Sunshine and Rainbows.” Her credo was “Appreciation is the oil that makes things run.” Ash realized that constant verbal and physical demonstrations of encouragement are necessary for the achievement of ambitious goals and to make employees feel truly valued.

Moses knew the encouraging power of encouragement. When the desert sands seemed unending, when food became scarce, and when internal dissidents threatened to undermine the organization’s purpose (“Let’s return to Egypt!), Moses reminded the Israelites of their goal, a “land of milk and honey” that truly existed, even if they had never seen it. (Lorin Wolfe)

“…Encourage one another daily….”

~ Hebrews 3:13; cf. 10:24~

Have a great SONday!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Listen to this!

Behold, the sower went out to sow;

as he was sowing,

some . . . seeds fell into the good soil,

and as they grew up and increased,

they yielded a crop

and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”

~Mark 4:3-8, NASB~

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

< sleepy day. >

I took a nap on the plane. Just landed in Orlando and am awaiting the arrival of my beautiful, amazing, supportive, astonishing, captivating wife to pick me up. Someone is hanging at the house attending the kids, who are all in bed already, so that Jen could come. I am looking forward to a weekend with my wonderful family, and I will head back to New Orleans early Monday morning to be with two other members of my wonderful family. Both continuing to rest and heal.

Yet another member of my wonderful family arrived to be with Mom and Dad. Erik got in last night a little past midnight. We talked for a while and hit the hay. I was glad to see him. We have really been appreciating the time together.

We woke and took Dad coffee, getting him prepared for the day. Another day of therapy and rest and good eating. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the stubborn strength and resilience of my dad. He wore “Popeye” pajamas today. Very appropriate. When I headed to the airport, Erik was on his way from Mom’s to be with Dad – take him for a stroll in his wheelchair and grab some supper.

Mom had a very sleepy day. Must have needed the rest. She woke up very little today. Even when she did, it was for brief moments. The body is so odd and so beautiful at how God made it to heal and recover to live while decaying and preparing for death all at the same time. Not mentioning death to say Mom is “dying” (we all are technically), but simply to marvel at the way God made our bodies. Amazing creations.

I was bummed that Erik didn’t get to interact with Mom the way I had the last few days. I think he was, too. Hopefully he will tomorrow. Hopefully it will not be a sleepy day for her. Please pray that Erik will see “I love you” mouthed from Mom tomorrow as I did this week. I so want him to interact with her in that way, too.

Look for Erik to share two great stories of love and support from his hometown tomorrow. I hope he will share it with you all. Made Dad cry tears of appreciation when Erik told him.

By the way – in prep for that story, the pic at the top of this post is the first tomato that sprung to life on Mom’s tomato plant back home. Jen snapped the picture and sent it to me. The bud appeared the day Mom woke up the first time (we mentioned that in an earlier post). How awesome – this sign of life.

How we all anticipate the day when those who have fallen asleep in this world will be raised to newness of life together with Jesus face-to-face. Until then, amidst the sleepy days and the alert days, Lord, please continue to heal Mom to spill Your love and life onto us once again.

Post at you Monday. Thanks as always for your continued prayers and concern for Mom and Dad. Be looking for those stories from Erik. He is one of my favorite writers.

Much love.

-jason



KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer requests

“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

SIT AND TALK

All over the United States you can find construction zones. Workmen are hammering, spreading cement, painting…they are building houses and stores and office buildings. It can be really interesting to watch.

One of our missionary moms took her son and daughter for a walk in their West African neighborhood. Just one street over, they watched a new house being built. It was amazing to see! The men made the cement blocks, they dug out the foundation and laid it then they built the building block by block. It is a very slow process. The young boy really enjoyed seeing the dump trucks and talking to the men who were working. One day three men were sitting on a short wall taking a break. This little boy just went up and sat by them. When his little sister said she wanted to keep walking, he reminded his mom how important it is just to sit and talk!

Another day at breakfast, the little girl asked if she could say the blessing. Her parents were amazed—she prayed in the local language! She has learned enough local language to talk to God about her new neighbors.

Moms and dads can teach us new things, but kids can teach their parents too. This little boy taught his mom that it is really important to just sit and talk with people. That’s when you can tell them about the love of Jesus. The little girl helped her parents remember that we can pray in any language and that it’s really important to learn the local language. If you can’t speak their language, then when you just sit and talk…well, you just sit.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please help us settle nicely into our apartment. Also, help the team leaders be safe & calm. BONNIE, age 12 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

Pray for my friends and my cousins. AVERY, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

Last Saturday we had a friend from school eat dinner with our family. His mom came too. During our prayer before the meal, my friend, Jon laughed and cut up. We all kept praying. Later his mom apologized for him not respecting our religious practice she said “he hasn’t been taught to respect religion.” Pray that my friend will respect, love and honor God and enjoy praying to him one day. Pray as we play soccer after school that God will touch his heart. Pray his mom and dad will also come to know God and understand how much he loves them. Josh (Western Europe)

Please pray for Sarah. She is my friend who is sick. LAURA, age 7 (South America)

My brother and I have been sharing with our friends about Jesus. We don’t talk about Jesus a lot because our friends try to change the subject. They have seen the Jesus film, but afterwards they haven’t said a word about Jesus or God. I would like you to pray that our friends’ hearts will be opened to what we have to say and that my brother and I will have the language to share with them. SETH, age 14 (West Africa)

Nairobi has over 3.5 million people, and over 2 million of these live in the slum area. My family’s new people group is the people of the slums. My family will also be starting a small business. We will use this business to let people of the slums get at least 20 hours a week of evangelism training and a way to make a living for their family. Pray for our family and for the new business. ERIN, age 10 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Elsie Naomi Pitt
(May 6, 1931 – May 1, 2009)

Mrs. Elsie Naomi Pitt a loving mother, grandmother & sister was born May 6, 1931 and passed away at 11:30AM, Friday, May 1, 2009 at the Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood. She was 77, a native and resident of Kentwood. She is the daughter of the late Sidney J. & Kate Grace Hodges.Mrs. Elsie is survived by a daughter, Linda Faye Booty, and husband R.J., Kentwood; 3 sons, John R. Franks, and wife Cheryl, Houston, TX, Ronald “Bruiser” Franks, and wife Linda, Roseland, & Robert Fauver, and wife Mona Lisa, Bogue Chitto, MS; a brother, Jonathan “Bonnie” Hodges and friend, Brenda, Chesbrough; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren & numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Tommy Franks, 3 brothers, & 2 sisters.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, May 4, 2009 from 10:00AM until Religious Services at the funeral home Chapel at 1:00PM with Interment at the Hodges Cemetery, Chesbrough.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Bond Eye Clinic & Grand Prix Car Wash.

LIVING STONES

Joe died. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral.

As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Susan turned to her oldest and dearest friend. “Well, I’m sure Joe would be pleased,” she said.

“I’m sure you’re right,” replied Joan, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. “How much did this really cost?”

“All of it,” said Susan . “Thirty thousand.”

“No!” Joan exclaimed. “I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?”

Susan answered, “The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The refreshments $500. The rest went for the memorial stone.”

Joan computed quickly. “$22,500 for a memorial stone? My goodness, how big is it?”

“Two and a half carats.”

That humorous story serves as a reminder to us that there are many different kinds of stones — from granite to diamonds — which are of varying value. People all around the world are agreed that a stone of granite is not very valuable, while a diamond gemstone is of great value. Sometimes, though, a stone can have great value, but not be appreciated by some people.

In I Peter 2:4, Jesus is described as a “living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious.” In I Peter 2:6, Jesus is referred to as “a chief cornerstone”, the most important stone in any building. But he was a stone “which the builders rejected” and is viewed as ‘a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” (I Peter 2:7,8).

Peter uses these Old Testament concepts (as Jesus himself did) to point out that, while Jesus was chosen by God, he was rejected by men. He was not the kind of Messiah they were expected, so they stumbled over him. It was the same stone, but Jesus was viewed by some as a very valuable stone and by others as a worthless rock.

The application of this passage to us as Christians is found in Peter’s description of us as “living stones, [who] are being built up a spiritual house.” (I Peter 2:5). Peter is writing this epistle to Christians who are suffering persecution, and are getting discouraged because this world is making life hard for them even though they are doing what is right.

Peter’s point is that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we can expect no different treatment than he received. We are living stones who follow “the stone,” a stone that was rejected by men. We shouldn’t be surprised when the same thing happens to us. Our responsibility, as living stones, is simply to continue to live in a way that will bring honor and glory to God. Some will appreciate our effort, some will not, but, in the end, all that matters is that we are “chosen by God” just as Jesus was.

“Father, there are times when we get so very discouraged. There are times when it seems that, the harder we strive to serve you faithfully, the more difficult life becomes. Help us to remember that we are followers of Jesus and that we can expect nothing different from what Jesus received while he was on this earth. Father, we ask your blessing as we seek to live in a way that glorifies you. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Friday Afternoon

Please pray for Cindy Knight Edwards, a young wife and mother, who will have heart surgery Monday.


Greg Corkern will be hospitalized a while longer. The doctors have determined he had a major heart attack.



Wanzie Williams’ surgery went well. She will be going to rehab when she leaves the hospital.



Kathy Jo Thompson (Amite)

Still at home, haven’t been able to get around much. I still need mom to help me up and down and to walk sometimes. The pain gets better each day but now it is begining to be a different pain. When I move certain ways I get this shooting pain all over and it paralyzes me for a few seconds. It hurts! I know that this to shall pass says my mother but when your going through it, it doesn’t seem like it. I alternate my activities during the day from standing, sitting, and lying because if I stay in one position for too long it starts to hurt, but boy does that ice still work! ha

I wanted to update earlier but our computer takes forever and didn’t really have the patience. Mrs. Sandra Satterwater (Anglin is her maiden name) passed away on Wednesday around 2 pm. Her preacher called us and said that she was doing fine and then all of a sudden her blood pressure starting dropping and they couldn’t get it to come back up. We are so very sad for the family but know that she is in a better place and no longer hurting. Please keep her family in your prayers as they go through their time of loss.

On a lighter note, I’m still struggling with this one class. I will decide today if I take the final or if I am going to get an incomplete and just finish what I haven’t taken during the summer. I just don’t understand why teachers can be so not caring. I understand that I need to take the test to pass the class but I just had a tumor removed from my spine and am probably have to go back in two months and have more removed from my body. I haven’t even thought about studying and looking at a book cause I am in pain all the time. But anyways, God has his plans I’m trying not to worry and wait on him to guide me!

~KJ


Don Denton (Former music minister at FBC, Indepencence)

Don’s doctor came in this morning. The spot they found in the pelvic area will not be biopsied. There is not a lymph node in that area.

They will not do the PET Scan today, they will do a Spect Scan today. A SPECT Scan detects functional abnormalities in the brain. It looks for blood flow through the arteries and veins and can detects tumors as well.

I am not sure why they decided not to do the PET Scan at this point.

Don’s headaches are moch less painful these days, since they did the lumbar puncture. It was theraputic in that way. We are really thankful for that.

It has rained off and on the past several days. And we will have more rain this weekend.

Of course we will wait through the weekend. The neurosurgeon will be in somtime today or this weekend. I spoke to him yesterday. He will go over details of this brain biopsy when he comes to see us.

Joshua is a trooper. Here we are again, at another hospital, different city, away from home and he is pretty amazing. He is away from his friends and of course everything is new here.

He has his melts downs which is normal. I continue to educate myself with grief for children as much as possible.

I did not sleep last night. Too much on my mind with respect to questions for the doctors. Otherwise I have been getting really good sleep and feel pretty good in that way these days.

Our pets are being boarded at the VET. I thought we would be back home by now. One day I will be more realistic about that. I have my own denial too.

Well, keep you all posted as we hear.

Friday

“Dear children,

let us stop just saying we love each other;

let us really show it by our actions.”

~1 John 3:18 NLT~




Mrs. Frances Bell is in rehab here in Kentwood. Continue to remember her in your prayers.


Keandra Hookfin, a young college graduate and mother, was in an accident and now has a broken neck. Pray for her and her family as they make adjustjments to accommodate her present condition.


Don Denton

Don is still considered stable. He had the Galian Scan today and they found a “spot” in his pelvic area. Tomorrow “Friday” they will do a PET Scan on Don looking for other places to “light up”. If they find what they are looking for they will do a biopsy somewhere else other than the brain.

This biopsy will happen on Monday. So one way or the other depending on what they find tomorrow there will be a biopsy on Monday.

He is still not able to eat. He is taking fluids. There are problems with keepin an IV in him. His vessels are not working as well as they would like them to.

He is still very dizzy, nauseated and just feels really bad.

He sleeps allot and just does not feel well.

Josh and I have been keeping busy exploring St.Louis. We found a great park called Turtle Park. He just loves it.

Well, it looks like we will have answers tomorrow in the definite direction.

My head is swimming at times. I continue to hold to the hope that this will be treatable.

Pray for Don’s body that it will not shut down. Pray that he will be able to endure another weekend.

This feels really bad right now, but at the same time, we are so ready to have answers.

Tomorrow will be an important day.

Pray for my precious ones. Thank you our dear friends and family.

Diane

Glenda Russum Kennedy Gallagher
(January 31, 1959 – April 30, 2009)

Glenda Russum Kennedy Gallagher

She always knew life was a gift and was a friend that everyone wishes they had.

Glenda Russum Kennedy Gallagher was born January 31, 1959 and passed away April 30, 2009 at her home in Amite. Glenda was 50, a native of Hazelhurst, MS and a resident of Amite. She was the daughter of Glenn Russum, Picayune, MS and the late Qujett Russum.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Captain Britney Kennedy, El Paso, Texas and Ann Blythe Kennedy, Amite; 2 sisters, Glennell and husband Danny Lumkin, Seminary, Mississippi, Gaylia and husband Steve Calimag, Cross, South Carolina.

Glenda was preceded in death by her husband, William R. “Bill” Gallagher.

Glenda was a true caregiver working at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center as a Registered Nurse for 20 years. She served as a trustee for Amite United Methodist Church, a past Junior Auxillary Member and served on the Advisory Board for PrimeCare Home Health.

A memorial service celebrating Glenda’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Amite, on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Brady Whitton officiating.

Glenda was a 15 year breast cancer survivor and she shared her spirit with others fighting cancer.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations may be made in Glenda’s honor to

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana, 3340 Severn Avenue,Suite 350 Metairie, LA 70002 or

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Attn: Gift Management Services 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250 Dallas, TX 75244

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

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

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
WHAT SHOULD WE leave behind when we die…?
A faithful family.
We will leave a mourning family behind on that sad day, but will we leave a faithful one? Will each be on his or her way to heaven? We are not able to make decisions for them, but we will have a great influence on each, especially our children (Proverbs 22:6).
Sarah left a godly man to mourn (Genesis 23:2). Abraham left faithful sons behind (Genesis 18:19; 25:8). Zebedee and Salome gave the world James and John. Lois taught Eunice, who molded Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).
If we would leave such a family, we must start NOW, because the years may come when they will not listen (Ecclesiastes 12:2). No greater legacy can be left than faith in God and faithfulness to His church. (Allen Webster)
“You are the light of the world…”
Matthew 5:14a
May this day be the best day of your week.
Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Please pray for Erin Pezant’s little girl, Haley. She is 3-4 years old and is in ICU with E-Coli.

Thanks,

Cissy Cutrer

< she smiled. >
They’ve told us that there’s no way of knowing what Mom will be like once she is fully awake. They’ve told us that there’s no telling when she will be ready for rehab. They’ve told us that no one can predict when Mom will be ready for the tracheotomy

to be removed. They’ve told us that there’s no indication yet of whether Mom will have full function of her arms and legs.

But today, she smiled at me.

She had not done that up to now since the accident. I walked in this morning. She was awake. Her eyes opened a little wider as I walked around the bed and sat beside her. I touched her left shoulder and smiled at her and enthusiastically announced my arrival with a lively, “Hey!!!”

She opened her eyes wide, found mine, and smiled at me. It was a half smile. The left side of her face, springing to life half of an expression that we all have missed so much. I am not sure if it was a half smile due to what we’ll find out are long-term issues with the right side of her face, or if it was a half smile due to weakness and atrophy. But she smiled. And I lit up.

I probably talked her ear off for the next 20 minutes, I was so excited. She kept her eyes open for most of the time, occasionally closing them for a brief respite (either cause she needed it or hoping I would shut up).

Mom is progressing so much it seems. I know it is baby steps. And I know she could certainly have a setback any day (that’s what we are told). But each day so far this week, there has been something new.

Yesterday and today I called Dad while I was with Mom to let him talk to her over the speaker phone. She nodded at his questions, and I translated. She is opening her eyes wider than ever. She moved both right and left feet and toes. And today she turned her neck slightly to the right, which she has not done (not much now – but it was a definite effort that was followed by a grimace). Pretty awesome!!!

Oh yeah – I mentioned before that she is trying to mouth stuff from time to time. She did it to Sheila and Pattie today, too. She has mouthed “I love you, too” to me several times. Today, before I left to drive back over to Dad’s place, I told her what I was doing (heading over to check on Dad). Before I could tell her I love her, she mouthed “I love you.” It made my heart well up big time. I love my Mom.

Yesterday, when I showed her a piece of art of various flowers Caleb made from construction paper, she loved it. Her eyes widened, and she mouthed, “Very beautiful.”

I asked her physical therapy doctor this afternoon about Mom’s tracheotomy and therapy. When would she begin weaning off the trach and when would they get more aggressive with her therapy? She responded:

“It will fully depend upon your Mom being able to be fully awake for long periods of time. But, let me assure you, based on what I have seen in the past with other patients (she was an experienced doctor), your Mom is fully there mentally, and I believe she will recover well. She may end up with some disability in her left arm, but so far it’s too early to tell anything else.”

We’ll take it. Erik and I were talking last night, and we agreed – we are simply thankful to have Mom back to the point where we can at least talk with her.

Erik comes back in tomorrow. I can’t wait to see him. I know he is anxious to interact with Mom and Dad.

Dad has had a grueling but great day. When I arrived this morning, he was waking up. I had his Tall Decaf. He was grateful. He sat up to eat breakfast and sip his coffee. We slid him over to the potty chair. We slid him back over to the bed for a sponge bath. We got him dressed. We looked through some cards people have sent. And, the therapist walked in to get him.

He had three therapy sessions today! Wow!!! He said they really worked him hard. Good stuff. Erik and I told him he’s gonna be stronger when this is over than he was before the accident. I bet he will be like “Awnold” was in his prime before rehab is done.

I asked Dad about his thoughts on today. Here’s what he said:

“The thing that I liked most about this day is the thought that people are really paying attention to Mom. She is the one who needs that interaction, and I really am grateful for what people are doing. There was a woman who came by to see me, for instance, who left from here to go see Mom simply to go and sing to her. That really meant a lot to me.”

That is a direct quote from a man sitting in a wheelchair right now wearing hospital socks, “Justice League” pajama pants, a “Superman” T-Shirt, and a neck-collar. He is the epitomy of cool (in my opinion).

While sitting in his wheelchair today, and while I was over with Mom, Dad had a first. He rolled himself into the bathroom, tinkled in his tinkle jar (as we say since Dad has 8 grandkids below the age of 7), washed his hands, and rolled back into his room. He has been sitting up in his wheelchair or in therapy all but about 30 minutes today. Way to go Pop!!! I bet he will sleep well tonight.

Dad got to talk to the Orlando grandkids this afternoon, too, on the phone. He hopes to talk to Erik’s kids tonight.

We are going to go for a walk now. Well, I am gonna walk and Dad is gonna wheel. Then, I am going to head to grab some take-out for the both of us.

Let me know if you want anything…
-jason

Thursday

“Bear one another’s burdens,

and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

~Galatians 6:2~



Pray as the swine flu continues to spread. Pray for wisdon as decisions are made concerning preparations, closures, and treatment. Pray for each person to act responsibly so this problem does not get worse than it already is.

Pray for Wanzie Williams. She fell and injured her shoulder while in New York with family and will have surgery at Our Lady of the Lake this afternoon.


Also, pray for Tracy Williams who will have surgery at Tulane today.


Mrs. Lois Bridges passed on a request for prayer for a four year old who is in Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Haley Melder, who is Bob Pezant’s great granddaughter, the granddaughter of Arnold and Gwen Pezant, and the daughter of Erin is undergoing tests to diagnose her problem.

Jimmy and Retia Dukes

the hospital hokey pokey
Jen and I were riding through Orlando a few years back, and we saw (in my opinion) the funniest bumper sticker in the history of bumper stickers (and bumpers, for that matter). It simply said:

“What if the hokey pokey IS what it’s all about?”

Fortunately for all of us, it ISn’t what it’s all about. But with Mom and Dad in two different locations now, it sure seems like it. I put one foot in and then take it right back out and turn myself around to cross the Huey P Long Bridge or the Crescent City Connection (whichever one looks clearer traffic-wise on Google Maps) to head to the other hospital. It’s fun! If you haven’t been on the Huey P lately and you are in need of growing in patience or getting over a fear of heights, I steadfastly and highly recommend it.

Enough of all that nonsense. How are Mom and Dad?

Well, I have to say I am super excited about the progress Mom seems to be making. I continue to remind myself that this will be a long road of recovery for Mom, but every little improvement seems like such a HUGE step when we’ve watched her endure the stillness of a coma.

Yesterday morning, after I posted the Caring Bridge post, I headed to see Mom. I was there for over two hours. During that time, she was awake for a sum total of over an hour!!! When I say awake, I mean eyes open and at least looking around. Still kind of in and out sleeping, but interactive.

I reminded her what was going on (why she is in the hospital). I assured that Dad is doing well. I told her about Erik and Erin and the boys. I told her about Jen and Caleb and the girls and me. I told her about people praying for her all over everywhere. I told her that she had been in a coma for 3 weeks. She got a little emotional at that – tearing up and sobbing / coughing a bit.

I began to ask her a series of various questions. Did she remember anything about the accident? She shook her head no. Did she remember listening to music while she was in a coma? She nodded yes. Did she remember me playing for her Caleb and Katey and Abby singing “My God Is So Big?” She nodded yes. Was she hurting anywhere? She shook her head no. Did she like my beard (I asked that again, because a few of my friends back in Orlando texted me yesterday teasing about whether Mom liked it or not)? She nodded YES – there you go guys! Did she remember my birthday? She nodded yes, but when I gave her some multiple choice, she didn’t get it. Today she did, though. She just needed to sleep on it.

If you didn’t notice in that last paragraph, I mentioned that Mom shook her head no. She had not done that yet to me. So that’s a first and a positive sign. Before I headed over to see Dad, I told her how much I loved her and was so proud of her for how well she was doing and how beautiful she was. She mouthed back, “I love you.”

Today, Mom had several treatments and tests and lots of visitors. She interacted with all of them in some way. A nod of the head. An attempt to mouth something. Open eyes looking around.

They did another CT today. There’s something going on there for them to do another one so close to the one they did Monday. I haven’t gotten the answer on it yet, but I will let you know when I do. I asked Erik to call, too. He understands all that stuff much better, obviously. Please keep praying.

Dad had a great day both yesterday and today. He is doing especially well as I type this. We were about to dive into some amazing dumplins when a friend called and said he was bringing us something. He is bringing us take-out from a local French restaurant. The special tonight is scallops. I am not eating that, but of course Dad is. I ordered butternut squash soup and some salmon.

It was a tough choice. One of our family friends who is an amazing cook brought us two containers of chicken and dumplins. Her dumplins are something special, I tell you. Really, really, really, really good. When the other friend called to tell me the special at the French place (that’s French for “place”) was scallops and he wanted to bring Dad some, I said go ahead. I know how amazing those dumplins are, and since they are in containers I refrigerated them for Dad to have for lunch tomorrow. That’ll be good and give him something culinarily exquisite to look forward to midday tomorrow after therapy.

Besides food, which is a big deal in New Orleans, Dad is really doing well. He is dressed today in a brand new New Orleans Hornets T-Shirt (to commemorate their 58 point loss and hopefully a win tonight) and a brand new pair of Mickey Mouse pajama pants (to commemorate missing Orlando – picture attached I caught while he was napping).

Therapy was tough on him this morning, but he is making progress. He told me his legs were really sore, which is a good thing. His wrist hurt a lot today. They will assess it in two weeks and then, more than likely, do surgery to repair it. The skin will be good and healed by that point.

Please keep praying for logistics to work out favorably. We are trusting the Lord on all that for sure and doing due diligence as needed (along with the help of Uncle Danny, our friend Don, and the Seminary leaders). We should know more in the coming week.

Well, Dad’s scallops just arrived. The dumplins are labeled and secure in the pantry fridge just down the hall. Gonna enjoy a meal with my Dad. Thanks Don and Joyce for a great supper and lunch, respectively. Very thankful that I am able to be here with Dad and enjoy this meal.

I really miss Jen and the kids. BIG TIME. I will fly home again Friday. Erik will be down this weekend. Looking forward to seeing him before I fly out.

Please, please pray for our close friend Becky and her Dad – Mr. Harry. He recovered from cancer a few years ago, but this past Sunday he let his family know the cancer was back. It seems to be far-reaching. He is getting a second opinion on what to do. You may remember Chris from an earlier post – the one who drove with me all night to New Orleans the night of the accident. Well, Mr. Harry is his father-in-law. Please pray for Mr. Harry and his wife Mrs. Dale and Chris and Becky and their three kids at this time. The effective prayer of the righteous accomplishes much, as James wrote. Your prayers would mean so much to them.

Looking forward to seeing how Mom interacts tomorrow. Looking forward to the drive between hospitals. I have more voice mails than I know what to do with, so I use that time to attempt to return them. They keep stacking up. Thanks for being patient with me on that stuff.

Very thankful for all of you. Very thankful. Post with you tomorrow.
-jason

Outlaws at sea, chaos ashore

Erich Bridges
Outlaws at sea, chaos ashore

Listen to an audio version of this post at
http://media1.imbresources.org/files/70/7023/7023-39678.mp3

Those pirates tormenting ships off the coast of Somalia are no isolated band of cutthroats on an otherwise placid horizon.

They represent what author William Langewiesche calls the “outlaw sea” — global coastlines and deep waters increasingly plagued by buccaneers, hijackers, drug runners, smugglers and terrorists.

In his 2004 book of the same name (“The Outlaw Sea: A World of Freedom, Chaos, and Crime,” North Point Press), Langewiesche explored the vast expanses of blue. It’s a place where hundreds of pirate attacks occur each year from Southeast Asia to the Caribbean, where thousands of unsafe, unregulated merchant ships sail the globe under so-called “flags of convenience” to mask their origins and owners. This region beyond nations, which covers three-quarters of the earth’s surface, is a “reminder of the world as it was before, but also quite possibly … a harbinger of a larger chaos to come,” Langewiesche observed.

What “larger chaos”? The Somali pirates reflect what’s happening on dry land: “Failed states” continue to threaten not only their own people but the peoples and nations around them.

Somalia is the poster child for “failed states.” It fragmented more than 20 years ago amid clan wars. No stable national government exists. The chaos has sent throngs of refugees fleeing into other countries, subjected those who stayed behind to terrible suffering at the hands of thugs and warlords — and attracted foreign terrorists looking for bases of operation.

There are worse things than bad government. Anarchy, for instance. Ask the Somalis. Ask the people who endure seemingly endless violence in parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan and other places.

Nuclear-armed Pakistan, in particular, teeters on the edge of instability as radical Islamists wield expanding influence. Its neighbor and longtime enemy, India, watches with growing alarm.

“As much as India fears Pakistan, it fears Pakistan’s collapse even more,” reports Robert D. Kaplan in The Atlantic magazine. “The threat of Islamic anarchy in the region is perfectly suited to the further consolidation of Hindu nationalism.” Hindu nationalism, in turn, increases extremism and violence against millions of Muslims and Christians in India.

Everything is connected in a globalized, essentially borderless world. The current global economic crisis proves that proposition beyond reasonable doubt. That’s why Christians in safe, quiet places should be concerned about “failed states” and chaotic areas within states. Not only do they destabilize whole regions and cause massive human suffering, they directly affect the church and the transmission of the Gospel.

Many unreached and unevangelized people live within unstable nations and regions. Reaching them with the message of God’s love becomes all the more difficult where chaos reigns. Missionaries who set out to work in such places often never reach their destination because of risks and barriers. If they do get there, they may find themselves targeted as easy prey. Or, they may be unable to minister effectively because of ongoing danger and disorder.

Believers living in chaotic places also are vulnerable to violence and persecution. However, like the early Christians who evangelized the known world amid a crumbling empire, they find many opportunities to minister to desperate people and guide them toward Christ, the only true source of peace.

People who flee chaos for freer, more peaceful areas often encounter the Gospel for the first time. Somali Muslims who might have faced instant martyrdom for seeking Christ in their homeland can learn about Him elsewhere.

More than 150,000 Somalis have streamed into the city of London as refugees and asylum seekers since the early 1990s. They remain clan-oriented, wary of outsiders and strongly Muslim. However, they are finding friends among London Christians who help them with education, finding jobs and recovering from the traumas they have experienced.

Farah,* a respected leader in London’s Somali community, has a close Christian friend. Farah hasn’t decided whether to follow Christ as Lord, but he believes all Somalis should have the right to understand and freely choose their own religious beliefs.

“This is a man of influence, a man of peace, a man who desires to see better days for his people” wherever they are, says his Christian friend. One day, Farah hopes to return to his homeland and help rebuild it.

One way or another, God reigns over all nations — even the failed ones.

(Reblogged from World View Conversation)
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
I SAW THIS sign at a gas station while I was traveling…
It made me think about instances when I’ve had to deal with “gunky build-up” in my life. For me, gunky build-up occurs when I let less important stuff squeeze out the real priorities in my life. Maybe you’ve experienced it too:
. Sometimes I believe the lie that I can’t afford to take a break and rest. The reality is that I’m far less effective in my family and leadership roles when I’m tired and grumpy.
. Sometimes I believe the lie that I’ll spend quality time with my wife at the end of the day after everything else is done. The reality is that the last things on my priority list rarely get done.
. Sometimes I believe the lie that I’ll get to the next big projects after I knock out the more routine tasks. The reality is that there will always be other routine tasks to complete.
. Sometimes I believe the lie that the more I do, the more valuable I am to the team. The reality is that I’m not being effective if I’m busy doing the wrong things.
. Sometimes I believe the lie that the little problem I have isn’t jeopardizing my leadership. The reality is that most times everyone else is already being impacted by my little problem.
. Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to correct every false statement and negative comment. The reality is that many times those faint voices become a distraction when I draw attention and make them loud.
. Sometimes I believe the lie that goals will be accomplished without a plan if I’m just patient and faithful. The reality is that most goals worth pursuing require counsel and strategy and hard work and commitment.
. Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to jump at a good opportunity. The reality is that someone will always have a good opportunity for me to pursue, and many times those good opportunities squeeze out time and energy needed to fulfill a greater mission and calling.
Do you know that I’m talking about? Have you dealt with similar cases of gunky build-up? I’m still trying to learn how to deal with this, but along the way I’ve also learned some preventive maintenance that helps clean up my engine. Here are some things I’ve learned I need to do to “de-gunk” my life:
. Schedule my week in advance, including scheduling time to work on major projects.
. Prioritize time with my wife.
. Surround myself with friends who will push back when needed.
. Stay disciplined about my faith, my exercise, and my eating habits.
. Learn to say no.
. Decide in advance what I hope to accomplish.
So is it time for you to stop the gunky build-up in your life? Now is the time to do something about it. Don’t delay. (Tony Morgan)
“But one thing is needed…” (Luke 10:42).

“. . . I . . . do not cease to give thanks for you,
making mention of you in my prayers:
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of glory,
may give to you the spirit of wisdom and
revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
~Ephesians 1:16-17~

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Stan and Bethany Simmons

Bethany is out of the hospital and resting at home. Please continue to pray for this couple as they look forward to a new baby this summer.



Kathy Jo Thompson

I’m home! We flew home on Monday around 2pm. The flight and the drive back home was horrible (PAIN!!!) but the wheelchair people at the airport were nice. Before we left Washington, Mom found a little pizza place in the airport and told me I had to eat, she was pulling rank. She bought me a slice and I don’t know if it was because I had been eating hospital food or that I was hungry but man tha was the BEST pizza I ever had. I was hurting so bad that when we got home I took a pain pill and went to bed. I woke up once to put more ice on my back and to take more medicine but slept til about 7am. It is good to be home! I can’t do much and I feel bad because the house is a wreck and mom is trying to clean it and keep up with me. It is stressful on her but I am very thankful. Dad is working, making money and he checks on me too!

Now I am dealing with my school and trying to get exams situated so I can graduate in May but I may have to finish in the summer. I can’t go very far with out my back hurting so I can’t exactly go to LSU and take my finals. Pray that God will take care of that because I only have two classes out of six left that say that I have to take the final in order to pass the class.

I get my staples out either today or tomorrow, just depends when the physician can see me. I am not sure if they will give me local anastesia or not but I hope so. Mom says oh you can do it there aint nothing to it. Um mom have you ever accidently stapled your finger, it kinda hurts and I have 27 of them. They aren’t like stitches, I’ve taken them out of football players before, there isn’t anything to it but staples are different.

Dad talked to Mr. David, Mrs. Sandra’s husband, this morning and he said that she gets a little better each day but she still has a long way to go. I called him today but didn’t get any answer, when I talk to him I will let people know. There is also a little boy by the name of Olsyn Davis that I want everyone to pray for. He is 2 months old and the doctors have done everything they can for him but say that he will not live. My aunt DC and uncle Will met them in a waffle house in Washington or Maryland and said that he looked really bad. He can’t keep anyhting down and his parents are a new young couple that is devistated. Please pray for these people.

Wednesday

“We love because He first loved us.”

~1 John 4:19 NIV~

Joyce Cole

I accessed “prayer for the elderly” and came up with your address. At any rate, my mother needs abundant prayer. She’s 81, recovery from a very recent mild stroke and she has become quite vulnerable to severe colds and congestion. Can you put Joyce Cole 81, on an official prayer list?

Don Denton

Don’s test results have come back from the CAT Scan and the lumbar puncture. They look normal. The cultures fromthe lumbar puncture they are still waiting on.

Don will have a test on Thursday of this week as well. The doctors have pushed back the biopsy until they get the results of this next test. This test will look for a disease called Sarcoid. It is very rare if found in the brain and spine. I believe they want to rule this disease out before doing the biopsy.

Don is still considered stable, although he is not able to eat any type of food. Lately the liquid supplements he is not keeping down either.

We have concerns about nutrition and malnurishment. I hope to talk with doctors tomorrow about that.

We are hoping to see results by Thursday and hopefully, they can do the biopsy by Friday so Don won’t have to wait through the weekend.

Although given our experience with “waiting” this could go into next week.

As I am not surprised, my two precious ones, my husband Don, well, he is tired of this. This has been a painfully, long road for him. He is pretty weary.

And then our little one Joshua is more than ever fearful of his daddy dying. He talks about it often. I would give anything in this world for these two to not have to suffer like this.

Please pray as you feel lead to pray for us. We are most needy these days. I find myself pretty vulnerable most of the time. Emotionally it has taken a toll on all of us.

I have heard some of you all say how strong I am. It is only by the grace of God. And when you love someone, like I loves the two men in my life,…Don and Josh….holding onto hope. Believing is where I have to stand. I believe in the God who says don’t quit asking. I believe in the God who still performs miracles.

I am not strong….I most of the time am a child myself asking God for help. I am pretty needy these days. But I am not ready to quit fighting in what I believe in.

I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring for us. I pray that God will use the doctors to bring answers and treatment. I pray for peace in Don, Joshua, and my heart.

And I continue to ask God to restore Don’s health. I am asking for a miracle.

We are so very thankful for a most peaceful place for Joshua and I to rest our heads. It is truly a place of peace for us. We could not have imagined a more precious place to stay while we are here in St. Louis. It is a place that Joshua can feel safe too.

I will close for now. I will do my best to update you all tomorrow. The hospital computers don’t always work.

We pray for a new day of restored hope.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would ask Him, and He would give you living water” (John 4:10, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, joining you in prayer for pure, living water.

During the month of April, the entire country of Myanmar celebrates Water Festival. Originally, it was a festival in which the people worshiped many different spirits. Later, it became a Buddhist festival where people throw water on each other to wash their sins away and celebrate the new year. Water Festival is a reminder that the Bhama people have no hope.

The 20 million Fulani people of West Africa are not celebrating a water festival but are traveling constantly, seeking water for their livestock. Through the centuries, their tireless search has dispersed the Fulani into some 18 African countries. Pray for the Fulani to discover the Living Water, who alone can quench their soul thirst.

Over the past several years in Guinea (also West Africa), with the help of many churches, many wells have been dug in Susu villages. These wells have been instrumental in opening doors to sharing the gospel. Pray for new wells that will be dug in the months of April and May. Ask that the people of these villages will open their hearts to learn of the Living Water as they enjoy the health and convenience of clean drinking water.

After multiple delays, the water well at the new church near Leogane, Haiti is finally finished and the pump is installed! Thank you for your faithful prayers and for generously giving to the IMB’s hunger and relief fund to make this possible.

* Please pray that these wells will be both a source of clean water and a source of living water for this community.

* Intercede for the believers to be bold in sharing their faith, the great hope they have in Jesus.

* Pray that the lost of Myanmar, West Africa and Haiti will realize that the only way to have their sins washed away is through the living water Christ alone can provide.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
HOW DO YOU build a “sanctuary” in your busy life; a place where you can meet with God…?
Build a “closet.”
Isaac’s closet was in a field (Genesis 24:63). Peter’s closet was on a housetop (Acts 10:9).
You must fashion your own.
It may mean leaving the kids with your spouse, while you sit out on the back porch with a cup of coffee and your Bible for fifteen minutes.
It may mean snatching a few minutes when your baby is taking his or her afternoon nap.
For those who have a long drive to work, your sanctuary may be in your car with a CD player. It may mean posting a passage of Scripture near your steering wheel, where you can meditate and pray about it during the time that you drive.
It may mean reading your Bible during your lunch break at work.
It may mean taking the first ten minutes to read and pray in your office each morning.
It may mean putting your tennis shoes on and going for a walk with your Bible in hand.
It may mean sitting in your garage or workshop with a CD player to listen to sermons.
It’s not what the sanctuary looks like or where it is that matters. It’s what you do there that makes it a meaningful place. The sanctuary does not provide rest. What takes place there in the desert is what refreshes the inner man. (Steve Farrar).
“But you, when you pray, go into your room,
and when you have shut your door,
pray to your Father who is in the secret place;
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Matthew 6:6
Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening


Joan Hagan called to ask for prayer for her brother-in-law, Greg Corkern, who had a heart attack this morning. Greg is in his 30’s. Greg is hospitalized in Mandeville where he had surgery this morning and was given a stent. He will have another surgery tomorrow and a third surgery some time after that. Please be in prayer for Greg, Sharon, and their family as they go through this time.


Joan also asked for prayer for her aunt, Elaine Bennett, who has become more homebound lately.