Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Friday Afternoon

Reuel Adams, brother-in-law of Dora Magee (married to her sister Bobbie) died shortly before 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Thursday, January 29. They live in the Mt. Hermon area. Arrangments were not finalized, but Crain Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. Pray for family members as they travel and adjust to this unexpected death.

Shared by Velta Morris



Virgie C. Bridges
(December 23, 1928 – January 29, 2009)

Virgie C. Bridges

Virgie C. Bridges was born on December 23, 1928 and passed away at 6:25PM, Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 80, a native of St. Helena Parish and a resident of Kentwood.

She is survived by a sister, Mildred Emily Bridges, Pine Ridge; 2 brothers, William J. Bridges, Zachary & Edward Bridges and wife, Carol, Pine Ridge; 3 nieces Sophie Rieger, Nacogdoches, TX, Barbara Bridges, Zachary. & Rene’ McDaniel, Spring Creek; a nephew, Richard Bridges, Queens, NY.

She was preceded in death by her parents William Otis & Nina Young Bridges; and an infant brother, Frank Bridges.

Visitation will be held at the Pine Ridge Methodist Church on Saturday, January 31, 2009 from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 1:00PM with Bro. Clay Spinks officiating. Interment in the Pine Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Ms. Virgie request donations be made to the Pine Ridge Methodist Church.

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

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

Friday

“Sing praises to the Lord,

who dwells in Zion!

Declare His deeds among the people.”

Psalm 9:11


Carl Wayne Stevens will be admitted to the hospital Monday and have surgery Tuesday to remove a place from his upper lung. Please be in prayer for Carl Wayne, his family, and the medical staff who will be working with him.


JAHANKA OF SENEGAL, GUINEA AND THE GAMBIA (jah-HONK-kay). The Jahanka people of West Africa are beginning to have more opportunities to hear the gospel. Often they respond by acknowledging that what they heard is the truth, but they are usually not ready to make a commitment to Christ. The next step, for those who are interested in learning more, is to participate in a Bible storying group. There they can hear a number of stories from God’s Word that help them understand better who Jesus is. Pray for new opportunities for Bible storying groups among the Jahanka. http://www.jahanka.org/


LAST FRONTIER. One worker writes: “I met a brother, Mr. H, who preaches in two churches in one of the most persecuted areas in his country. The members of his group have been jailed numerous times, and Mr. H himself has been jailed more than 50 times in the last 10 years. Since Jesus died for him on the cross, he considers what he has suffered to be nothing. Mr. H boldly said, ‘They beat me and kept me in jail for days. How can I compare that with what Jesus did for me? I am not afraid. No, I am not.’ Then Mr. H asked me, ‘Are you afraid of the police?’ What do you think my answer was? My answer was yes, with many excuses. Did I feel small? Yes, I did. One of Mr. H’s churches meets in his home, and the other church is 40 kilometers away in a different city. Finding a place to worship is difficult, because it is hard to rent a room when the police put pressure on the landlords not to rent to fellowships. So far, the current location is all right. Please pray for a place where they can continue to meet and worship together. Mr. H and I share a vision of planting eight more new churches by next Christmas. Please pray for more reproducing churches that can reach lost souls.”

KOMpray

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

POPCORN WITH HOT SAUCE

A Christian couple in Guerrero, Mexico (geh-REH-roh) likes to spend a lot of time with their friend, C, and his family. The couple took cake and popcorn to their friend’s house one day, and C put hot sauce on the popcorn! Do you remember praying for the Tibetans who like chili sauce on their pancakes? We need to introduce C to the Tibetan people!

Another time C’s family served beans with pig’s feet. Christian workers in other countries really have to learn to like different kinds of food.

Whenever the Christian couple spends time with C and his family, they tell a Bible story. These families are really good friends. The Christians would love to see their friends accept Jesus. Pray for C—pray that he will accept Jesus and that he will tell others that Jesus loves them too.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Help my brother to have fun at university. TREVOR, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for us to learn the Thai language so we can tell others about Jesus. EMILY, age 7 (Pacific Rim)

My very good friend is a muslim and we don’t talk about religion much. I would really like for her to come to Christ. Please pray for her to become a Christian or to give me courage to talk about it with her. EMMA, age 11 (Western Europe)

I have several India friends who need to know Jesus. We play together sometimes. I have tried to tell a girl named Nashelta about Jesus. Please pray for her and my other friends. Maybe someday they will accept Jesus into their hearts. TONI, age 11 (South Asia)

Please help my friends to believe in Christ because I tried but they didn’t believe me and I want the whole country believe in Christ. JOSEPH, age 11 (Central Asia)

Every Monday my sister and I do a Sunday (or Monday) school for five little Fulbe kids. Just pray that every one of them will all come to know Christ as their Personal Lord and Savior. Thank you! SARAH, age 11 (West Africa)

I would like you to pray for my mom’s back and ankle. Also pray for the people in Mozambique that they will stop firing guns. Please pray for my family to learn Portuguese, so we can tell people about Jesus. I want to tell you something—some people say pork and cheese when it is really “Portuguese.” Some of the people in my city are nice and some are mean. Please pray for them. ABBY, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)


Virgie C. Bridges
(December 23, 1928 – January 29, 2009)

Virgie C. Bridges was born on December 23, 1928 and passed away at 6:45PM, Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 80, a native of St. Helena Parish and a resident of Kentwood.

She is survived by a sister, Mildred Emily Bridges, Pine Ridge; 2 brothers, William J. Bridges, Zachary & Edward Bridges, Pine Ridge; 2 nieces Sophi Rigger, Nacogdoches, TX & Barbara Bridges, Zachary.

She was preceded in death by her parents William Otis & Ninie Young Bridges; and an infant brother.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

In lieu of flowers Ms. Virgie request donations be made to the Pine Ridge Methodist Church.

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

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


Muriel Little Heth
(September 13, 1922 – January 29, 2009)

Muriel Little Heth

Mrs. Muriel Little Heth was born September 13, 1922 and passed away at 6:55PM, Thursday, January 29, 2009 at her residence in Kentwood. She was 86, and a native of Chesbrough. The family would like to send a Special Thanks to Kathy & Michael Warren and family & Roy and Rose Rhodus.

Mrs. Muriel is survived by her son, Bruce Heth and wife, Stella, Kentwood; 1 sister, Bertie Mae Spitale, Amite; 2 brothers, Cecil Little and Ray Little both of Roseland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Alfred Heth; parents, Hulon & Irma Smith Little; 2 sisters, Daphne Hayden & Wilma Lois Brown; 2 brothers, L. J. Little & Robert Little.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at the Russelltown Cemetery, Roseland, on Friday, January 30, 2009 at 2:00PM with Bro. Leonard McMichael officiating. Interment in the Russelltown Cemetery.

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

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



IS IT OBVIOUS?

A woman had a problem — her husband was a loud snorer and kept her awake at night. So she called the doctor one morning, and asked him if there was anything he could do to help out with the problem.

“Well, there is one operation I can perform that will cure your husband, but it is really rather expensive. It will cost $1000 down, and payments of $450 for 24 months, plus payments for extras.”

“Oh my!” the woman exclaimed, “sounds like leasing a new sports car!”

“Hmm,” the doctor murmured, “too obvious, huh?”

Some things are rather obvious and can’t be hidden. Do you recall what the Jewish leaders said when they saw “the boldness of Peter and John”? At first they were confused because they realized that these were “uneducated and untrained men.” But then it came to them:

“They realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

It was pretty obvious. In fact, it stood out like a sore thumb. I merely raise this question for you to think about this week — is it obvious to folks around you as to why you behave the way that you do? Is it readily apparent to others that you are someone who “spends time with Jesus”? May you live in such a way that it is all too obvious!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I pray my faith is obvious. I pray yours is too!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Every house is builded by some man;

but He that built all things is God.”

Heb. 3:4



Joan Hagan asks us to pray for her cousin Kitty who continues to have serious health issues. As you pray for Kitty, pray for her mother, Mrs. Elaine Bennett.


Cliff Titus has pneumonia. Pray for him and his caregiver, Lauree.


Pray for these people who are having tests, procedures, or surgery soon:

Jimmy Harrell

Walter Dykes

Bobby Simpson


Pray for these people who are still not 100% yet:

Mrs. Margaret Callihan

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell

Mrs. Kathryn Sanders

Mr. Charley Kuss

Mrs. Paula Jean Wall

Mrs. Parmys Stegall

Mr. Bud Kliesch

Mr. Larry Watts

Mr. Orin Davidson



Ronald Putman is out of ICU. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.


Mrs. Linda Longoria passed away a few days ago. You’ll want to pray for her family as they continue their lives without her.

JAPAN. “This past summer, a volunteer student team came to Tokyo on a short-term mission trip,” writes the IMB Tokyo Team. “During this trip, one of students was detained by police because he was accused of stealing in a local store. The student was completely innocent, but the store owner refused to back down at the risk of losing face in front of the police. This student was able to share his testimony with one of the police officers. Once the student was released and declared innocent, this police officer expressed his desire to join the volunteer team in a worship time they were hosting at a local park. He was drawn to Christ by the incredible faith of this high school student. This student was able to continue sharing Christ via email once he returned to the United States. We recently heard that this police officer prayed to receive Christ and is now a believer! Praise the Lord for how He uses even difficult situations to get the gospel into places where it might not otherwise go. Pray for continued boldness for the volunteers who come to serve in Tokyo. Ask God to grow this officer in his faith, and pray that we will be able to follow up with him. Please pray that believers will be open to God doing whatever it takes to get the gospel to those people in whom He is already at work!” http://www.IMBTokyo.org/

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, January 28, 2009

“I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, ‘You are my refuge . . .’” (Psalm 142:5a, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, interceding for people as they struggle through economic trials.

The world economic crisis continues to shake the foundations of life for many in Hungary, as it is doing across the globe. A Hungarian daily newspaper reports that as many as 100,000-150,000 people could lose their jobs, which would create a welfare disaster and “turn the national budget head over heels. A Baptist representative writes: “Bringing it down to the personal level, we just found out this week that some very dear Hungarian friends of ours have had their car repossessed, compounding the serious problems they are having due to debt and unemployment. Please join us in praying for Mr. and Mrs. R and their three young daughters, as well as for all the other families and individuals who are struggling to survive during these difficult days.”

Life is full of choices, but should they include which meal to skip each day or which child to send to school? These are the choices that more and more Kenyans must make. Economic problems are especially painful in the lower-income areas and city slums of Kenya. The daily news of the cost of oil is of little interest to these people, as few have cars and often a bicycle is a luxury, yet their lives are affected by the fluctuating cost of oil–which, combined with other problems, has led to milk, grains, beans, cooking gas, etc., doubling or tripling in price in the last year. As a result, many people are starving. Education is “free” in Kenya, but it does not include uniforms or supplies–which a starving family cannot eat!

* Please pray for the hungry in our world that they will be filled.

* Pray that ways can be found to create new jobs and offer better medical care and truly free education so that the cycle of poverty can be broken.

* Intercede for those in Hungary and Kenya to recognize God is their refuge.

Friendship Circle Sunday School Class is studying Men of the Bible. It is a wonderful study and helps us to know and understand the lives of Bible characters better as well as how to apply the lessons of their lives to our own lives. Our study Sunday was on Joseph. This devotional reinforces what we learned.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
SOMETIMES IT’S HARD to sell people on the value of integrity…
From all outward appearances, it doesn’t “pay” to be honest.
There were certainly times in the life of Joseph when he must have been tempted to say, “What good has it ever done to me to walk the straight path?” Here was a young man who remained committed to integrity no matter what the cost. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, he was eventually falsely accused and thrown into a dungeon before finally being vindicated by the Lord.
When Joseph ran from the crude seduction of Potiphar’s wife, he wasn’t just running from a woman. He was running from anything that would abort God’s purposes in his life.
Do you remember what he told that adulteress (probably again and again)? “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9).
He chose God’s way. He chose to see God’s purposes fulfilled in his life rather than fulfilling a passing fleshly fancy. He feared losing God’s blessing upon his life. That’s why he didn’t walk or stroll out of that woman’s presence, he RAN.
Integrity says, what I am in public, I am also in private. Integrity is what you do when you’re alone, and no one’s eye is upon you but the Lord’s. (Ron Mehl)
“Discretion will preserve you;
understanding will keep you.”
Proverbs 2:11
Have a wonderful day. Please let me know if you have prayer requests, updates, or praises to add.
Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare

before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

Todd Lee said Mr. Buster Lee has been found to not have a blood clot and is doing well. Thank you for your continued prayers for Mr. Lee and his family.


Carl Wayne Stevens will be seeing doctors today to set up a treatment plan. Pray for the family today. It doesn’t hurt to have several doctors in the family who know how to ask the right questions.


Ronald Putman is doing much better. He may be about to come home in about three months. Pray for his family during this long hospital stay.


David Gullota is doing a little better this week. Pray this continues.

Update on Don Denton:

Let it Snow……

Today reminded Joshua and I of being up at Mayo. The most beautiful snow came today. About 5pm this evening I looked at Joshua and said. Lets go play. We put our layers on and took our sleds out, shovels and trucks. We played till it turned dark.

I want to thank Nancy B. who has suggested the Concert of Prayer for our family. Please see the previous posting for date and time. I believe in the power of prayer and we need it. Don continues to improve physically. His dizziness does not improve. He actually is working in physical therapy with his physical therapist trying to push through the most difficult exercises to do with balance.

WE have a praise as well. Don took his first steps walking between the balance bars in PT on his own. He was able to walk a few feet without the help of any support. It is a difficult thing to have to learn how to walk again.

Don has more doctor appointments this week and next week. He will have another “lumbar puncture” at Cox South on Tuesday Feb. 3rd. He will be there all day. If all goes well he will get to come home that afternoon late.

He has set goals to start going into the office a few hours a day a few days a week. We have to get new glasses for him as his vision has changed and he still has double vision in the peripheral range of view. With the double vision getting better, we have discovered that his eye sight has gotten a little worse. He has a tough time reading. The good thing is that it can be corrected.

Please pray for the following:

  • Don’s test go well this next Tuesday.
  • His dizziness improves.
  • Pray that Josh can begin to sleep through the night. He still is waking up in tears and fearful every night.
  • This is very insignificant, but pray that our dishwasher will be fixed soon, because of the smoke and small fire, the company has decided to replace it, but it will take longer.
  • It would be wonderful if I could just get one good nights sleep.

I wish I could name every name of every person who has touched our lives. I would shout it from the mountain top for all to know how precious you all are to us. God continues to show us His amazing love for us through you all. Your words spoken to us are a healing balm to our souls. I find myself holding onto your words of hope and going back to reread them. Your acts of kindness have been a model of who Christ is to His people when one is hurting, and our son Joshua witnesses this as well.

One thing I have not really shared with you all is that Don’s employer, his peers, the staff, co-workers and students continue to bless us. They continue to reach out to us and pray for us. I have worked in the secular world myself. For me to witness what a christian employer does different from the secular employer is awesome.

The precious students at SBU have ministered to us and reached out to us and continue to pray for us. WE truly have seen God’s amazing love through this very difficult time in our life. The acts of kindness toward us and understanding and support from the University has been overwhelming and we experience Gods love and power through them. We are so blessed to be a part of SBU. The leadership, the wisdom, the grace and care we have received from them has helped me not to worry about how we are going to get through this. We can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Our goal is for Don to get back to the classroom. I invision him doing that and I can invision a time were we as a family can thank SBU as well.

Please continue to pray for my sister in law – Lynn. She is currently being treated for her 4th bout with cancer. Pray that the drugs they are using will do what the doctors want them to.

We will know in the next several weeks whether the steroids Don is taking is working as well. I will update you all on any changes.

Bless you our family and friends. God be with you!

Diane

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
AN ELDERLY GENTLEMAN was traveling alone on a train in France…
A much younger man, sitting next to him, watched the older man take out his Bible and begin to read. After a while, the younger man decided to strike up a conversation, and he asked, “What are you reading?”
The older man replied, “I am reading from the sixth chapter of John in the New Testament.”
“What does it say?” the young man asked.
“Oh, it’s the story of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. The Gospel writer tells us about a vast crowd that had followed Jesus because of the signs He was performing for the sick, and how Jesus preached to the crowd until it was dark. They were hungry, and with only five barley loaves and a couple of dried fish, Jesus fed the entire crowd of 5,000. And the leftovers filled twelve baskets.”
Scornfully and cynically, the younger man said, “Surely you don’t believe that!”
But the older man answered, “Oh, yes I do.”
To which the younger man said, “Well, I can see that you have been brainwashed by ancient superstitions. Not me! That could never happen to me because, you see, I am a scientist. The only thing I trust and believe in is what can be proven scientifically. The story you have read defies the laws of science, and therefore I can’t accept it. Give me facts, provable facts. As a man of science, I have no faith in miracles. But, of course, I can’t expect you to understand that.”
At that point, the train began to slow down. “Here is my station,” said the young man as he rose from his seat. “It was nice talking to you, Mr.–I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.” With that, the older man reached into his pocket and pulled out his business card. He handed it to the younger man. The younger man looked at it. Imagine his surprise; the name on the card was Louis Pasteur…one of the great scientists of all time. (James W. Moore)
“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).
Stay dry today!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

He causes the sun to rise on good people

and on evil people,

and he sends rain to those who do right

and to those who do wrong.

Matthew 5:45 (NCV)


It seems lots of people are having tests. I’ll not mention names, but pray in general for them at this point.


Emily Panter:

Monday, January 26, 2009


Dear Family and Friends,

I am so happy to finally be writing you this particular mote. It has been long overdue.
Isn’t God wonderful? I am home and doing wonderful. My strength and appetite are coming back steadily and God continues to show His goodness and mercy to our family. Neither my family nor I could have made it through this without the knowledge that prayers were being rendered on our behalf. I would just like to write this little note (which in no way comes close to expressing adequately how I feel,) to say thank you! You are amazing and your thoughts, prayers, gifts, and helpful hands have done so much to make all of this go easier and smoother. We are so grateful!

For those of you who are interested, I will keep up the blog and write some of what God continues to show me, and maybe some funny family anecdotes. I pray that God blesses you as you have blessed us.

In Him,

Emily Panter

& family

Ronald Putman continues to slowly improve. Keep him and his family in your prayers.

CONTENT TO BE DISCONTENT

Jones, a wealthy financier, had on many occasion in the good old days — when trains were flourishing and coaches were the last word in technological luxury — crossed the continent by Pullman. He was well known and well served and was accustomed to every convenience, particularly when dining. Imagine his exasperation, then, when it turned out that the chef did not have tutti-frutti ice cream.

“No tutti-frutti?” he shouted. “I always have tutti-frutti.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” said the waiter, soothingly. “We have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, black walnut, cherry, mocha almond –”

“I want tutti-frutti,” cried Jones, banging the table and turning red. “I have always had tutti-frutti and I won’t have anything else.”

For miles he muttered, scowled, growled, and snarled at everyone, so that every train employee on board had visions of angry reprisals. Finally, the train stopped at a station; a word to the conductor kept it there while the crew scoured the town for tutti-frutti ice cream.

A whole pint of the dessert was found and all of it was presented to Jones, with huge gobs of cherry sauce on it, together with a sliced banana and a swirl of whipped cream.

“Here is your tutti-frutti ice cream, Mr. Jones,” said the quaking waiter.

Jones looked at it with a scowl, then with a sudden swipe of his arm hurled it to the floor, shouting, “I’d rather have my grievance!”

As embarrassing as it is to admit it, I have been in that same situation. There are times when I have been most content to be discontent and have received great enjoyment from being unhappy. And pity the person who tried to appease me and deprive me of the “pity party” I was throwing myself! Have you been there as well?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

May you find joy this day in a God who richly supplies all your needs!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I hope you are content today and every day.

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

From Angela Shockley:

Please add Horace “Buster” Lee (George Lee’s Father) to the prayer link. He fell Sat. and is in ICU at Our Lady of The Lake Hospital with a blood clot to the brain. Also, continued prayers are needed for David Gulotta and his family. He has been in ICU for a month (He is at University Hospital in New Orleans and his parents are driving back and forth each day).

Monday

Jesus told him,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one can come to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 (NLT)

Mrs. Bill Hughes continues to need our prayers for her continuing health issues.

Mr.James Miller’s oldest daughter is hospitalized. He would appreciate you praying for her.

John Wesley Parker
(March 29, 1926 – January 24, 2009)

John Wesley Parker

U.S. Veteran Died at 1:59 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was a native of Dossville, MS and a resident of Kentwood. Age 82 years. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran of World War II and retired from Baton Rouge, Zachary, Angola and LSU Fire Services. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Richard Sandburg and Rev. Joe Starns. Interment Centre Cemetery, Greensburg. He is survived by his wife, Myrtis Newsom Parker, Kentwood; 4 sons, Wilbur G. Parker, Kentwood, Floyd W. Parker and wife, Rosemary, Waskom, TX, John M. Parker and wife, Janice, Central, and Wesley A. Parker, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Flo Goynes, Baton Rouge, and Retta Bellgraph and husband, Eugene, Zachary; 3 brothers, Carlton Parker, Zachary, Shade M. Parker and wife, Evelyn, Springfield, IL, and Amos Parker and wife, Colleen, Summit, MS; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elva Wooten Parker; 4 sisters, Marie Bankston, Agnes East, Pauline Walker, and Roxie Parker; 3 brothers, James, Gus and Guy Parker. Pallbearers will be Travis Parker, John Parker, Jason Parker, Blaine Parker, Jimmy Parker and Blanton Burgess. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Firemen’s Association.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

PEOPLE AROUND THE world reacted with shock in September 2006 when news broke that Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” had died…

His enthusiasm for life and for God’s creatures was contagious, making him a favorite personality worldwide.

When his wife Terri was interviewed shortly after Steve’s death, her love for him was obvious as she said through her tears, “I’ve lost my prince.” What an affectionate way to memorialize her husband! She saw him as her prince and her best friend.

The husband-wife relationship is often viewed today as anything but the tender one Terri and Steve must have shared. We see bitterness, insults, and animosity presented in the media as the norm. How much more desirable it is to see true love—to see a husband unashamedly cherish his wife, to unselfishly be her “prince.”

How can a husband continue to love his wife in a more princely way? Try these suggestions: Listen—enjoy those tender times when she can unburden her heart without fear. Love life—find ways to add fun to your marriage. Lead spiritually—guide the way into prayer and intimate fellowship with the Lord.

Men, be a prince to your princess. (Dave Branon)

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Pet. 3:7).

There will be a free showing of the movie “Fireproof” at FBC,Kentwood. If you have not seen this movie, please work this event into your schedule. The movie’s focus is on improving marriages.
Have a marvelous Monday!
Anna Lee

Sunday

“Cast your bread upon the waters,

For you will find it after many days.”

~Ecclesiastes 10:6, NKJV~

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, January 23, 2009

We are “persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:9, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, praying with you for believers facing persecution.

The deaf Japanese women were on the edge of their seats as they studied the trials and persecutions Paul faced in scripture. When asked if Christians were persecuted in Japan W answered, “No, we aren’t beaten or stoned or put in prison because we believe on Jesus.” “So if a person tells his Buddhist or Shinto family he has believed on Jesus and wants to be baptized, that family will be happy?” W was thoughtful. “Oh, I had not thought about that being persecution. I can see that Christians are persecuted here by being ridiculed and pressured.”

A brother in the Last Frontier, Mr. H, preaches in two churches in one of the most persecuted areas in his country. The members of his group have been jailed numerous times, and Mr. H himself has been jailed more than 50 times in the last 10 years. Mr. H boldly said, ‘They beat me and kept me in jail for days. How can I compare that with what Jesus did for me? I am not afraid. No, I am not.’ One of Mr. H’s churches meets in his home, and the other church is 40 kilometers away in a different city.

Pastors in Iran are undertaking huge daily risks. Recently a pastor told workers that every morning when he and his wife wake up, they say, “Thank you, God, that we were not taken by the authorities during the night. Help us to make the most of these precious 24 hours and plant your church TODAY!” Police usually come at 4 a.m., so each morning that pastors wake up safely, they know they have 24 more hours to labor.

* Please pray for believers to be strong in the face of persecution.

* Give thanks for the growth of the church despite persecution from families and governments.

* Thank the Lord that He will never leave nor forsake His children.



KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
A WELL-KNOWN preacher once gave the following advice to a group of churches concerning their approach to evangelism:
“Don’t tell people about the cross, it doesn’t work. Too many evangelistic efforts fail because they focus too much on the cross. Just tell them God loves them and has a plan for them.” He continued, “The message of a crucified Jew is ridiculous to the modern mind. So move onto something better. A crucified Messiah is stupid, but promise them prosperity, give them emotional experiences, provide them with self-esteem and then you’ll fill the pews.”
THOUGHTS: Avoiding the cross and catering to people’s external needs might “fill the pews,” but they will be pews filled with people still dying in their sins. Without the cross, the Bible is just another neat story book. Without the cross, Christianity is no more than a self-help seminar. It was the cross that God displayed His wisdom and power. (Mitchell Skelton)
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).
May this Lord’s Day be a blessing to you!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“Go therefore and make disciples

of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.”

~Matthew 28:19a~

Philip Dykes is home and doing fine. Thank you for praying for him.

Mrs. Faye Price appreciates your prayers. Her family does too. Keep praying.

James Alton Fairburn Sr. passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at Harvest Manor Nursing Home in Denham Springs. He was 75, a resident of Denham Springs and a native of Amite. Mr. James enjoyed hunting and fishing. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Graveside service at Hayden Grove Cemetery in Amite at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, conducted by Brother Sam Cutrer. Survived by his daughters, Betty Fairburn, of Walker, and Shelia Barthol and husband Jack, of Denham Springs; son, James A. Fairburn Jr. and wife Kendra, of Walker; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Irene Fairburn; and parents, David L. and Vemie Cutrer Fairburn.


Roberts Sr., Wiltz Richard Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home, McComb, Miss., at 2:30 p.m.

Baptist Press

January 23, 2009

WASHINGTON–Obama reaffirms Roe on 36th anniversary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29716

TENNESSEE–Embryonic stem cell trial gets FDA approval. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29717

NEW YORK–Roger Goodell: NFL responsible to fans & communities. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29718

FLORIDA–PROFILE: Kurt Warner — The player & the person. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29719

FLORIDA–Baptist Press returns to the Super Bowl.
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29720

WASHINGTON–MARRIAGE DIGEST: ‘Gay marriage’ getting boost in U.S. Senate. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29721

TEXAS–Church planting passion sparked in Bluebonnet. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29722

TEXAS–Couple starts orphanage in El Salvador. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29723

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): This is change? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29724

CALIFORNIA–FIRST-PERSON (David Jeremiah): Making a way. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29725

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

THE TAX COLLECTORS of Jesus’ time were some of the most despised people in the land, considered untrustworthy, cheats, and traitors…

Yet it was Levi (Matthew) whom Jesus called to follow Him. This brave man arose from his tax office and went with the Lord. Later, as Jesus dined in his house, the scribes and Pharisees began their grumbling. No doubt, Levi was used to this kind of back-biting talk. Now his honored guest was being criticized for even associating with him. Jesus heard their talk and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Our Lord knew their hearts, their needs, and their resistance to Him.

This is not to say that we should not seek to maintain a good reputation through godliness and an exemplary Christian lifestyle. We should live in such a way that our critics have no just charge to level against us. Still, I am glad that Jesus cares more about sinners than He did about what the social and religious elite were saying about Him.

Regardless of what other people say against us, we must not stop doing what is good and right. We must not sacrifice our search for truth for tolerance of every false teacher in the neighborhood. We may be accused of being narrow and closed-minded. We may be told that we will be excluded unless we are unconditionally inclusive of all other ideas and dogmas. (Think about that!)

When it comes to others around us, we need to remember that Jesus came and died for the sins of the whole world, not just for those whom the world says are worthy. We need to have the heart of Jesus, reaching out to all of our friends and neighbors, rich and poor, powerful and powerless, because they all need Christ’s saving blood and the hope of eternal life that only He can give. Let us be bold in caring for others and always reaching out to them. Let us seek God’s approval and not the approval of the crowd and bring the lost to Him. (Roger Wright)

“And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him (Jesus) eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?’” (Mark 2:16).
Enjoy your weekend, but don’t leave Jesus out of it!
Anna Lee