Sunday Afternoon

From Bennie Ray Castella

Please pray for Linda Travis. She has been very sick and undergoing alot of test. Linda is currently in Our Lady of the Lake hospital.

Diane Turner’s mother, Mrs. Ricks, is also in Our Lady of the Lake.  Please be in pray for her.  Diane is also having some problems.  As you pray for Mrs. Ricks and Diane, pray for Roy and other family members.

Callie Cole

Hey!
Just wanted to say hello this Sunday morning and wish everyone a wonderful day of rest.  Rest from work, rest from school, and an opportunity to fill your head with the love and peace found in meditation and the worshipping with your church family. Do not neglect the encouragement you can give to others as well as others lifting your spirits with a soft, kind word.
Everything continues to roll toward complete healing for Callie.  The therapy teams are great.  Callie has a full schedule and the last 7 to 10 days have been no exception.
Callie’s Mission has begun the video process to get the word out concerning this unique scholarship program.  Most interviews are complete.  Let us all pray for the editing process.  I can see the editing being a very long, tedious task.  My personal vision for all of this is for others to only see the hand print of God on Callie’s life yesterday and today.  Jim and Jonah have worked very hard and the Cole’s appreciate their hard work.
The speech device has arrived and Callie is scheduled for her personal programming on Thursday.  This is very much a praise item.  Now the work to help Callie have a voice will pick up a greater pace as we (Tom and I, Mrs. Lindy, and the other therapy teams) learn to navigate the computer.
Another praise item is that Callie has increased her time of sitting independently on the mat!!  She can correct herself when she begins to fall backward.  A baby step but nonetheless progress.  She hasn’t increased her time since our stay in Atlanta.  This is an exciting time!
We continue to be excited about the Lord’s plan for her.  There are times we get discouraged.  Personally I never dreamed in the beginning that this recovery would be at this stage a year later.  The Lord gave a peace that He would heal her and in my humanness I just kept thinking that tomorrow may be the day.  Now we are at day # 417.  We are just grateful that she has never gone backward in her recovery.  She has been at a constant, slow healing since the accident.  How can I ask for more?  I will keep praying for complete restoration until the Lord reveals something different to me.  I can be content in knowing this is what the Lord envisioned for me.  That doesn’t mean I will not grow weary, it just means I realize He will give me everything I need when I need it.  And I have made up my mind that I will not hang onto discouragement.  It means that I will keep my eyes on Him longer and stronger than ever before so I will not become a stumbling block for Callie, others or myself.  This is simply all I know to do.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Keep it real.

Love,
Frances

Sunday

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;

in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.”

~Psalm 5:3~


Lloyd Hayden

Lloyd is back at home.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Jadon’s Story

Fasting and Praying

I’m feeling a little better finally. Mommy had to take me back to the pediatrician Thursday because I wasn’t getting any better. They put me on antibiotic because I have bronchitis. I just can’t get a break right now. My brother is sick too. He has an ear infection and a sinus infection. He is feeling better today too. We are 2 days away from starting the ketogenic diet. I will be admitted to New Orleans Children’s Hospital Monday and will have to stay until Thursday. I have to fast for 18 hours. This should be no problem for me. I’ve gone longer than that when I have been put to sleep for testing. We would like for anyone who wants to fast with me to do so. We will use this as a time of fasting and praying for healing. The fast and praying will start at 6:00 pm Sunday night and will continue until 12:00 p.m. Monday. If you really thing about it, its not that bad. During this time, I will be aloud to drink water with sugar free crystal light in it. We are also asking everyone to wear their Jadon’s journey shirt or purple Monday to support me. I left a picture of my mommies work people showing their support for me. Thank you all for supporting me and taking care of my mommy. She couldn’t do it without you. Please continue to pray that God will continue to heal me. I really have come a long way. Also pray for my family. We are anxious about starting a new diet. We know it will be hard, but as I’ve said before nothing can be harder than having seizures everyday. We love all of you and we will keep you posted while we are in the hospital.

Macy Gueldner

I wanted to let everyone know that Macy is doing really well. We are enjoying her sweet personality…… she’s all smiles and loves to cuddle.
Macy had a short bout with Roseola last weekend, but she’s better now. Even with a rash and fever, she stayed in good spirits.
Cate and Macy had a great time trick-or-treating last weekend. Cate was a monkey and Macy was a banana. They both looked so cute!
We’re counting down the days to our Disney trip…….. just 2 weeks away. I absolutely cannot wait to see Cate’s reactions to all of the wonders of Disney World.
I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We’ve been Blessed with two beautiful and loving daughters, Macy’s surgery is behind us, and we’re surrounded by wonderful family and friends who’ve helped and prayed for us through our trying times.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Charles W. Lee, Sr.
(December 11, 1920 – November 5, 2010)

A resident of Amite, he died at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg. He was born December 11, 1920 in Alexandria and was 89 years of age. Mr. Lee was a retired dairy farmer and a United States Coast Guard Veteran of World War II. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday, November 8, 2010 and from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 9, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Bob Simpson. Interment Arcola First Baptist Cemetery, Arcola. He is survived by his wife, Doris Crumholt Lee, Amite, 2 daughters, Pat Lee Harvey and her husband, Van, Amite, and Dixie Lee McDougal and her husband, Dennis, College Station, TX, son, J. E. Lee, Amite, grandchildren, Daniel Harvey, Charles Harvey and his wife, Magan, Jay McDougal, and Denise McDougal. Preceded in death by son, Charles Wilton “C.W.” Lee, Jr., brother, Edward Lee, 2 sisters, Maxine McCoy and Helen Lee. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Billie Joe Magee
(November 11, 1962 – November 4, 2010)

Billie Joe Magee was born November 11, 1962 and passed away at 2:40 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2010 at the Baton Rouge General Medical, Baton Rouge. He was 47, a native of Independence and a resident of Summit, MS.

Billie Joe is survived by his wife, Dorothy M. Magee, Summit, MS; 3 daughters, Desiree Magee, New Orleans, Jennifer Gill and husband, Curtis, Amite and Sarah Morgan, Summit, MS; 2 grandchildren, Hunter Gill and Jenna Gill; 2 brothers, Woodie Magee and wife, Patty, Jacksonville, Fl and Troy Magee, Denham Springs; a sister, Tressie Lee Robertson Hewitt and husband, Nick, Amite; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Etroy Morea Magee; sister, Ella Magee.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, November 8, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA

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

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy.#16 West (Exit #46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Carwash and Holiday Inn Express.

Revival at FBC, Kentwood

Sunday A.M. – Rev. Stan Statham – Director of Missions

Sunday P.M. – Rev. Gibby McMillan – La. Baptist Convention

Monday P.M. – Rev. David Fortenberry – Brookhaven

Tuesday P.M. – Rev. Pete Charpentier – Woodland Park

Wednesday P.M. – Rev. Preston Nix – New Orleans Seminary

(A.M. service at 10:30; P.M. services at 6:30)

Operation Christmas Child

The Journey of a Shoebox

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Journey_of_a_Shoe_Box/

Collection day at FBC, Kentwood – November 14th

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus
every knee shall bow…”
Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor


THERE IS A beautiful legend about a king who decided to set 
aside a special day to honor his greatest subject...

When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. 
 Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would 
select the winner.

The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist.  The king was told

that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian

efforts.  He had given much of his wealth to the poor.


The second person was a celebrated physician.  The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.

The third person was a distinguished judge.  The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.

The fourth person presented was an elderly woman.  Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress.  She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom.  What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much?  Even so, there was something about her the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.

The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence.  He asked who she was.  The answer came: “You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge?  Well, she was their teacher!”

It was James who wrote, “Brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers.” (James 3:1, GOD’S WORD). He points out that teachers will be judged more severely.  He could just as easily have said that teachers have a greater responsibility, a greater challenge, a greater opportunity to affect the lives of people in a negative way.  It is impossible to teach without using words, and with greater use of words comes a greater danger that the words will do harm.

But thanks be to God that there are those who face that challenge and assume that responsibility and make a diligent effort to use their words as an opportunity to affect the lives of people in a positive way.  Those of you who are teachers — who can begin to measure the tremendous effect that you are having in the lives of the children (and adults) in your classrooms?  You may not see the results of your efforts for years.  In fact, you may never get to see the results. But you do make a difference.

Those of you who are schoolteachers are teaching not only the basics of education, but you are teaching values and character.  Those of you who are Bible class teachers are filling the minds and hearts of our children with stories of faith that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.  Those of you who are preachers are strengthening the family of God and bringing salvation to the lost.

So, my hat is off to all of you who are teachers because you make a difference!  Alan Smith

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach.

~Romans 12:6-7~

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“The proverbs of Solomon . . .

To give prudence to the simple,

To the young man knowledge and discretion–

A wise man will hear and increase learning,

And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.”

~Proverbs 1:4-5, NKJV~

Don’t forget the garage sale East Fork is having for missions from 7 A.M. to 2 P.M.

Pray for the many who have been sick/hospitalized lately.

KOMpray (Kids on Missions Pray)

http://kidsonmission.org/prayer/

I hope you will find time to read some of the prayer requests, read some stories, and watch some videos.

Operation Christmas Child

  • 8 million children received shoe boxes last year
  • Over 130 countries have received shoe boxes since 1993.
  • To demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

SWEET AS HONEY

This morning’s thought is based on a story that appeared on the Reuters news several years agoy:

“TEHRAN (Reuters) – An Iranian bridegroom bit off more than he could chew when, according to custom, he licked honey from his bride’s finger during their marriage ceremony and choked to death on one of her false nails.  The Jam-e Jam newspaper said on Wednesday the 28-year-old groom died on the spot in the northwestern city of Qazvin while the bride was rushed to hospital after fainting from shock.  Iranian couples lick honey from each other’s fingers when they get married so that their life together starts sweetly.”

While this groom’s death is a tragedy, my first reaction was that this is a beautiful wedding custom.  Isn’t it a great idea to start your wedding life out sweetly?  But, as I thought about it, I realized that the honey might be better saved for a later point in the marriage.  After all, virtually every marriage begins sweetly.  The trick is to maintain that sweetness after years and years of being together.   Starting sweetly is not nearly as important as continuing sweetly.

Those of you who are married may do well to ask if the sweetness is still there.  Husbands and wives, do you treat each other just as sweetly as you did those first few days of wedded bliss?

How about in your other relationships?  Do you communicate with others in a way that can honestly be categorized as “sweet”?  Listen to these words of Solomon:

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” (Prov. 16:24)

May your life be filled with sweetness, and may you be blessed to be surrounded by sweet people.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful weekend!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;

wealth from hard work grows over time.”

~Proverbs 13:11 (NLT)~

Don’t forget to pack your shoebox(es) of Operation Christmas Child.   Touch a young life with joy from the gifts and with God though a message in the appropriate language for the child.  Collection date is November 14 at FBC, Kentwood.

East Fork Baptist church is having a garage sale tomorrow with the funds they collect going to missions.  Stop by and shop knowing the money you spend will be used to further the Gospel.  I applaud them for doing this with such an unselfish motive.  What a lesson they are learning!  What a difference they are making!

Have a fantastic day!

Anna Lee

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

DANIEL WAS A man of integrity with no weak spots, no scandals, and no sins that his enemies could identify…

And when King Darius came into power during Israel’s 70-year captivity, he relied on Daniel’s wise, insightful counsel. Yet there were others who didn’t like this Hebrew prophet.

Because Daniel had a habit of praying openly every day, his enemies convinced King Darius to foolishly sign a law that would prohibit prayer to anyone except the king. The penalty for breaking this law was being thrown into a den of lions. Sure enough, Daniel prayed as he always had, and it was reported to Darius. The frustration for the king was that as powerful as he was, he couldn’t change a law that he himself had set into motion. So Daniel was sent to die in a den of lions.  I find it interesting that while the child of God was in the den of lions safe in God’s care (Daniel 6:22), the faithless man in the palace with all its luxuries was up and worried and stressed out (v. 18).

And so it is for the person who puts his or her trust in God. When we are worrying, we are really saying that God isn’t in control, that God is not paying attention. When we worry, we are not trusting in the providence of God.

And what is the providence of God? It is the belief that God is in control of the universe.  Greg Laurie

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

~Psalm 56:3~

Life presents new issues every day.  It’s so comforting to know God is with us as we face those issues.  I know you are as thankful for His presence as I am.

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

~Psalm 56:3~

Anna Lee

Obituary

Dorothy Yvonne Sanders Russell
(February 20, 1936 – November 4, 2010)

Dorothy Yvonne Sanders Russell, Age 74, passed away peacefully at 2:15 a.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2010 at her residence in Central. She was a retired teacher and guidance counselor with 34 years of service with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. She is survived by two sons, William Lee Russell and wife, Donna, George Michael Russell, and wife Connie; grandchildren, Lee Michael Russell and wife, Amanda, William Todd Russell, Lindsey Meliet and husband, Blake, Kayla Marie Russell, Meagan Michelle Russell, Jodie Sandefur, and Janie Sandefur; great-grandchildren, Kade Michael Russell, Lindslee Rose Russell, Kason Todd Russell, London and Noah Cooper, sister, Ruby Theriot. Preceded in death by, her husband of 55 years, Willie Eugene “Gene” Russell, son, Earl Eugene “Rusty” Russell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2010. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. Pallbearers will be, Keith Roshto, Jimmy Sanders, Keith Olinde, Lee Michael Russell, Todd Russell, Rusty Browning and Blake Meliet.

Thursday

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
NOVEMBER 4, 2010

“Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray.” (Psalm 5:1-2)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Administrator Brian Lacy of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia).

LAST FRONTIER. Please pray for seven volunteer teams that will be traveling to an area in November that is home to several unreached people groups. Some recent teams have encountered more resistance from the religious leaders there than they have in the past as the Gospel has begun to fall on fertile soil. Pray for safety and courage, but especially for wisdom as these teams share and nurture within these unreached people groups.

ROMANIA. Baptist representative Troy Geddes and other members of Team Eastern Romania ask you to pray for the development of an Urban Outreach Training Center in their city. Their desire is to see highly directional training for the Romanian people within their area, with an additional focus on the multiplication of groups. Pray that the Father will continue to lead them according to His plan and purpose. Intercede for those within their people group to have hearts and minds made ready by the Spirit with a passion for reaching their neighbors, friends, families and cities for Christ.

Baptist Press Stories for Nov. 3, 2010
—————————————
  • GOP gains House control in sweeping election verdict
  • ‘Gay marriage’ loses big on election night
  • Marijuana legalization defeated in Calif., elsewhere
  • Personhood amendment fails in Colo.
  • AZ, OK voters reject health care mandate
  • Protect Iraqi Christians, USCIRF urges after attack
  • Babies saved through ‘Bella’ reach 200
  • FIRST-PERSON: Gospel urgency or eschatological fad?

FBC, Kentwood will be hosting revival services Sunday through Wednesday.  You are invited to attend.  Cottage Prayer Meetings have been held this week.  Tonight, they will be in the home of George Eddie and Alice Faye Lee and at our cabin.  You are invited to attend one of these meetings at 6:30 tonight and the revival services next week.  I’ll post the names of the speakers at another time.

KneEmail

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

I AM NO political activist, and I was in no small way annoyed and worn out by the political phone calls and ads..

Yet, there was an amendment on the Colorado ballot that did have my undivided attention.  It was simply called “Amendment 62,” an amendment to our state constitution recognizing the independent “personhood” of the unborn child.  By an overwhelming 7 to 3 ratio, our state’s voters denied that amendment.

There are many reasons to recognize the personhood of the unborn child.  The child has its own unique DNA, fingerprints, blood type, many times is even of a different gender, and is distinctly identified as a human being.  The child develops early and rapidly, having blood vessels form in the third week after conception, eyes and the beginning of esophagus, gallbladder, liver, lungs, pancreas, pharynx, stomach and trachea form in the fourth week. The face of the child begins to look human by week five, and the heart begins beating around the same time. The brain of the child can sense smell by day 35.  The beginning of the toes are evident by day 42.  Consider that all of these developments are occurring before or around the time a woman discovers she is pregnant (cf.http://sfuhl.org/).  The most compelling reason requires a belief both in God and scripture, which not only gives us our moral bearing regarding life and love of children but also gives us God’s view of the unborn child.

The Bible tells us that God knew the unborn child even before He formed the child in the womb (Isa. 44:1-2; Jer. 1:4-5).  It further states the love and relationship God has with the unborn child (Ps. 22:9-10; 139:13-16).  In Luke 1:39-44, Elizabeth recognizes the personhood both of the unborn child in her own womb and that in Mary’s womb.  If Mary had been pro-choice and had sought to exercise that choice to abort (and why would a pro-choice Christian deny her that “right”?), the world’s only Savior would not have been born.

The greater concern here is the collective callus on the heart of a nation.  For just short of four full decades, we have legally sanctioned the killing of unborn children.  With the practice now entering a third generation of legal and societal acceptance, I am very concerned about the conscience of an entire culture.

There is an incredible website out there called www.physiciansforlife.org, a voice for medical professionals against the horrific practice of abortion.  On the site, they say, “How ironic that the ‘love’ generation should spawn such a culturally accepted abomination as abortion.”  The site is filled with studies and data about the health risks and problems for the mother who makes this choice as well as an endless amount of statistics and research on the matter.

Our task is great.  It begins with our valuing all human life and the eternal implication residing in every person.  This deserves our prayers and our concern.  If we will be more aggressive in teaching the gospel to the lost, we stand a better chance to reach the heart of a nation hardened by years of choosing evil rather than good on this matter.  May God grant our nation a softened heart and may He bless us all, including those unborn who simply want to live.  Neal Pollard at: http://preacherpollard.wordpress.com/2010/11/03/how-the-nation-views-its-most-vulnerable/

16 These six things the LORD hates,

yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

17 a proud look,

a lying tongue,

hands that shed innocent blood.”

Proverbs 6:16-17

Have a great day!  Enjoy the cooler temperatures.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Evening Obituary

Joel Russell Bridges
(July 21, 1925 – November 3, 2010)

Born July 21, 1925 in Kentwood on his family’s dairy farm. Died November 3, 2010 at St. Tammany Hospital in Covington at the age of 85. He was a life long resident of Kentwood and the past 7 years has been a resident of Kentwood Manor. “Uncle Russell” as he was known by so many, held many jobs throughout his life. As a young man he was a dairy farmer and later managed the family’s dairy. Other occupations included postal mail carrier, Tangipahoa milk plant, security guard at Camp Moore Confederate Museum. He also worked for Bridges Red and White grocery in Tangipahoa. He graduated from Kentwood High School in 1942, was a member of the Tangipahoa Baptist Church, Son’s of Confederate Veterans, and Masonic Lodge in Kentwood. “Uncle Russell” loved people and enjoyed reminiscing about the old days and times with family and friends. If anyone had a question about the past, the first thing to do was to ask “Uncle Russell.” He was book of knowledge on the past and could recall it all until his last day. He loved to go riding, visiting friends and family and always had a few cemeteries to check on. Survived by one sister, Loray B. Pike, Tangipahoa, one brother, Dale Bridges, Kentwood. Sisters-in-law include, Evelyn Rushing Bridges, Mildred Gosa Bridges, Lois Gill Bridges, and Margaret Starrett Bridges Ramsdale. Nephews are Daryl K., Randal, John, Barry, Marshall, Brad, David, Reggie, Bobby, Tommy, and Carlton Bridges, George Ray Pike, Billy Chandler, Jimmy, Ronald, Jerry, and Wallace Cutrer. Nieces are Dianne B. Williams, Patricia B. DeBlanc, Teresa B. Holmes, Mona B. Stewart, Terri B. Hanks, Rhonda P. Penny, Glenda P. Duncan, Kathleen P. Kreider, Lynn B. Spears, Judy C. Hoover, Mary Ann C. Passons, Beverly C. Turnage, Ruth C. Allmond, Dorothy C. Shaffer, Joann C. Hutchinson, Barbara Bridges, and Joyce Bridges. He also has a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel Menton and Addie Williams Bridges. Brothers, Odessa, R.D., Dalton, Barney, and Kennoth Bridges. Sisters, Mennee B. Cutrer and Clytie B. Chandler, 2 sisters-in-law, Lillian Portel Bridges and Nellie Phillips Bridges, 3 brothers-in-law, George Pike, Virgil Cutrer, and Thomas Chandler. 2 nieces, Marilyn Bridges and Sandra B. Covington, 1 nephew, J. D. Bridges. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2010 and at Tangipahoa Baptist Church on Highway 1049 after 9 a.m. Saturday, November 6, 2010 until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. Pallbearers will be Todd Hoover, Daryl Bridges, Brad Bridges, Neal Chandler, Barry Bridges, and John Bridges. Honorary pallbearers are Marshall Bridges, Jimmy Cutrer, Ronald Cutrer, and Billy Chandler. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Tangipahoa Baptist Church.

David and I have not know “Uncle Russell” for many years like many of you, but the few times we were honored to see him, he was a pleasure to be around.  I wish I had known him better.