Brenda Daniel Bryant, formerly of Amite, had a blockage that required a stent. Brenda is doing well and should be able to go home tomorrow. Thank you for praying for Brenda and her family.
Bill Pope, son of Jack Pope, a former teacher and coach at Amite High School, had a angiogram today. I do not have results from his procedure yet. Keep praying for things to go well.
“Come to Me,
all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.”
~Matthew 11:28~
Pray for Brenda Daniel Bryant as she has an angiogram today and then whatever is necessary after that. She is in Lafayette.
Jadon’s Story
My seizures are staying about the same now. I’m only having about 20 during the night and then about 40 during the day. So the medicine is definitely working. We are very thankful that my seizures are down. We still aren’t satisfied with 60-80 a day though. Mommy talked to my neurologist in New Orleans today and we are going to start the ketogenic diet. Mommy and daddy have been researching between Vagabatrin and the keto diet since we left Boston. They both think that it is less risky to do the keto diet. We know that it is going to be hard, but we would rather start this diet while I’m still young. The diet has a very high success rate. We went and got my vision checked and talked to the eye doctor about the medicine and we just don’t want to risk vision loss right now. My strengths are my vision and my personality. I already have so many issues and we think its too risky. So we are waiting for the neurologist to call us back with a date to start the diet. I will have to start it in the hospital and stay for 4 days. We are not looking forward to the hospital stay but we believe that this is the next step that we should take. In Boston we had decided to go with Vagabatrin, at the last minute the doctor came in and said try Banzel first. We believe this happened for a reason and that the diet is the right way to go. Hopefully the combination of the diet and the meds that I’m on will give us seizure control. If the diet works, I will be on it for two years. Two years is also when Boston wants to see us back to repeat the test that they did recently. Please continue to pray for me. I’ve really come a long way in the last week.
Thought for the Day: Lessons from Legos
The following essay on “All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned From LEGOs” was written by Steve Klusmeyer:
“Life might be less complicated for all of us if we each received our own LEGO kit at birth. Yes, I realize there is a choking hazard for children under three. But when you are old enough, you can learn a lot from LEGOs. I have learned that:
~ Size doesn’t matter. When stepped on in the dark, a 2X2 LEGO brick causes the same amount of pain as a 2X8 brick.
~ All LEGO men are created equal (1.5625 inches tall). What they become is limited only by imagination.
~ There is strength in numbers. When the bricks stick together, great things can be accomplished.
~ Playtime is important. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what you are building, as long as you’re having fun.
~ Disaster happens. But the pieces can be put back together again.
~ Every brick has a purpose. Some are made for a specific spot – most can adapt almost anywhere – but every one will fit somewhere.
~ Color doesn’t matter. A blue brick will fit in the same space as a red brick.
~ No one is indispensable. If one brick is unavailable, another can take its place.
~ It doesn’t always turn out as planned. Sometimes it turns out better. If it doesn’t, you can always try again.
I thought about each of these statements as it relates to the church. Some of the statements apply more than others. For example, unity is a biblical concept. When Christians stick together, great things can be accomplished.
And it is an important biblical truth that every Christian has a purpose. As Paul describes it in I Corinthians 12 using the analogy of a human body, some of us are eyes, some are hands, still others are feet, but we all have a purpose and a role.
But while it is technically true that “no one is indispensable”, the teaching of scripture is that each one of us is needed and the body suffers greatly if we don’t do our part (I Cor. 12:20-22)
The greatest comparison between Legos and Christianity, though, is that we are indeed a building shaped by God’s own hand. And every Christian is a part of that building — not a plastic building block, but a “living stone”:
“As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 2:4-5)
–Alan
Have a terrific Thursday! I hope to see some of you at the cabin tonight at 6:30 for the Third Thursday meeting for food, fellowship, Bible study, and prayer.
Anna Lee
“Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all people.”
~1 Chronicles 16:24~
Thank God for the wonderful rain He is providing for us this morning.
Jadon’s Story
I was hesitant to post this because it seems like everytime I post good news we have days of bad. I finally decide that I was because today was a great day. I don’t have many great days so we are just going to praise God for today and pray that we will have more good days than bad. I made it all night without having any spasms. When I woke up this morning, I had a bad cluster of around 35. Since then I have only had about 25 more spasms. This is a huge improvement. Thank you God!!! Maybe this medicine with the help of your prayers is working better than we thought. We will definitely know in the next couple of days. Thanks you God for this great day and thank you all for your prayers!!!!
Pray for Holly K. as she travels back to the United States today. Thank God for her willingness to serve two years. Pray for her safety as she travels. Pray for her family. I know they are anxious and very excited today. Pray for Holly as God leads her in the next step of her life.
Operation Christmas Child
It’s that time of the year again. We get to pack shoe boxes for children around the world. They can learn of human love and God’s love because of the box they receive. If you need more information, google Operation Christmas Child, contact a church that participates, or contact me. Remember, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Also, think of how great it is to introduce a child (and their family) to Jesus!
| Jacqueline Russell Ricks (January 28, 1941 – October 18, 2010) |
A resident of Amite, she died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at her home. She was born January 28, 1941 in Independence and was 69 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 12 Noon Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. Survived by 3 daughters, Shannon Reeves and her husband, Greg, Hammond, Laura Banos and her husband, Omar, Amite, Ann Renee’ Jones and her husband, Tracy, Roseland, 2 sons, Boe Ricks and his wife, Kelly, Roseland, John Ricks and his wife, Amy, Loranger, 4 sisters, Becky Davis, Amite, Jean Rowdon, Amite, June Graves, Ponchatoula, Bonnie Hardy, ILL, 1 brother, Charles Russell, Amite, 12 grandchildren, Jordan, Stephanie, Jason, Julie, Candace, Brock, Dakota, Tracie Danielle, Joei’ Lauren, Hunter, Logan, and Laiken, 5 great-grandchildren, Grace, Nicholas, Joseph, Kensley, and Kade. Preceded in death by parents, Charles Lee Russell and Nettie Laura Pevey Russell, 2 infant sons, Michael and Robert Ricks.
Are You Starting to Forget
There’s a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn’t wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn’t wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn’t want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented. The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister’s crib and said: “Tell me about God – I’m starting to forget.”
There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the “rat race” and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, “Tell me about God — I’m starting to forget.”
There are weeks when we’ve been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because “I’m starting to forget.”
There are weeks when we’ve had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors’ appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord’s Supper to see God’s love and grace because “I’m starting to forget.”
There are days when we’re so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because “I’m starting to forget.”
“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
Don’t forget the Third Thursday meeting at the cabin tomorrow. Contact me if you need more information. We would love to have you!
Thanks for praying today. You make a difference!
Anna Lee
Caleb Estay did well with his surgery this morning. Thank God for modern medicine and those who practice it as you thank Him for taking care of Caleb this morning.
Jonathan Barry Swearingen
(October 26, 1962 – October 18, 2010)
A resident of Kentwood, LA, he died at 1:40 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2010 at his home. He was born October 26, 1962 in McComb, MS and was 47 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. Percy Frazier and Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood. He is survived by daughter, Nikki D. Swearingen, Livingston; father, Pete Swearingen and Nelda Allen, Kentwood; mother, Betty Dees Cade and her husband, Bobby, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Dee Johnson, Inverness, FL, and Julie Williams and her husband, David, Gillsburg, MS; granddaughter, Jayden B. Swearingen; nieces and nephews, Dalton Bridges, Katelyn Bridges, Maddox Williams and Rowdy Williams, and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by grandparents, Velo and Tincie Swearingen and H.C. and Bernice Dees and an uncle, Jerry Swearingen.
“But from there you will seek the Lord your God,
and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart
and with all your soul.”
~Deuteronomy 4:29~
Madison Watts continues to impress the doctors and her family with her improvement. Please continue to pray for her.
Caleb Estay will have minor surgery today. Please pray for the family as they wait and for the doctor as he/she works with Caleb. Also, pray for a easy recovery period.
I hope you will take the time to read the following Baptist Press article:
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33890
“¡Gracias Señor!” (Thank you, Lord!)
SOMEBODY IMPORTANT
The story is told of a famous football coach who was on vacation with his family in Maine. When they walked into a movie theater and sat down, the handful of people there applauded. He thought to himself, “I can’t believe it. People recognize me all the way up here.” Then a man came over to him and said, “Thanks for coming. They won’t start the movie for less than ten people.”
Ouch! That’ll deflate an ego in a hurry. That’s the trouble with thinking you’re somebody important — not everyone is as convinced of that as you are! I heard about one man who was hesitant to go on vacation. When someone at work told him, “Don’t worry. We can get by without you here for a while.”, his response was, “I know, I know. I just don’t want anybody else to find that out!”
Humility. One of the most difficult-to-find traits in our society. And one of the most important traits in the eyes of God. How often we try to raise our esteem in the eyes of men when we ought to be showing our willingness to lower ourselves.
“When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:8-11)
Look for an opportunity today to take a “lower seat.”
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Thank you for praying today. Have a terrific Tuesday.
Anna Lee
Mrs. Avis Sullivan is headed to Line Creek. Don’t you know she will be excited to see Line Creek after her hospital/rehab time!
East Fort Baptist Church is having a 5th Sunday singing this month. I think the singing is from 6:30 – 7:30 P.M.
We will have the “Third Thursday” gathering at the cabin this week. You are invited to come at 6:30 and enjoy the food, fellowship, and devotional time.
| Jacqueline Gaines (January 28, 1941 – October 18, 2010) A resident of Amite, she died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at her home in Amite. She was born January 28, 1941 and was 69 years of age. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. |
| Jonathan Barry Swearingen (October 26, 1962 – October 18, 2010) |
A resident of Kentwood, he died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at his residence in Kentwood. He was born October 26, 1962 and was 47 years of age. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.
“One person standing alone is easily attacked and defeated,
but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.
Three people are even better,
for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
~Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)~
Mr. Frank Smith, Sr. was a little better this weekend. Do you think it could be because his granddaughter Terri got to visit him? Continue to pray for the Smith family.
Jadon’s Story
After mommy increased my medicine Thursday night. I had a great night. I sleep the entire night. I can’t remember the last time if ever that has happened. Well when I woke up that morning, I had a cluster of over 90. I had a pretty good day after that with very few spasms. I’m having less clusters throughout the day but I’m having so many spasms in each cluster. I’m actually having more spasms than before. So we really don’t know what is better. We increased the medicine again this morning for the last time. Mommy and daddy are going to see how I do the next couple of days and then call my doctor. So we will see how I do on the increased dose. We are thinking I was doing better at the beginning of the week because they took me off the clobazam. I’m still more vocal and staying awake more. I have learned to hold my own sippie cup. I used to could hold it while laying down but now I can do it in any position. So mommy took my bottle away and I get everything through my sippie cup. I don’t miss my bottle at all. I’m satisfied to drink out of my sippie cup. I’ll update in a couple of days and let you know what my seizures are doing. Please continue to pray!!!
Boyd and Jennie were blessed to be able to be in the first service of a new church plant for the Roma in Prague yesterday. Be thankful for this new opportunity for the Roma. Pray for God’s leadership in all that is done there.
Holly K. is spending her last day in West Africa. Tomorrow, she will land at the New Orleans airport. Thank God for the experiences and blessing Holly has had for the past two years. Pray for God’s continued leadership in her life.
Jacob “Bro. Jake” Williams was ordained yesterday. Pray God’s blessings on his ministry!
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Monday, October 18, 2010
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst,’” (John 6:35, ESV).
Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for the people of Pakistan.
Two months of the year in Pakistan comprises the rainy season. These two months are essential for crop growth and cultivation throughout the year, as well as energy production. This year’s rains, however, brought the worst flooding in recent history to the country. The flood waters in August and September destroyed towns, villages, crops, homes and livestock throughout the Sindh province. Thousands of displaced Sindhis fled the floods to live with relatives or in camps in other parts of the province. Many of the Sindhi-speaking people from the villages who lost everything had farms with crops and livestock that played a vital role in their survival. Pray for the farmers and their families as they start to think about rebuilding their lives.
As a result of flooding in all the major provinces of Pakistan, several thousand people lost their lives and countless millions were left without homes and hope for the future. The repercussions of the devastation have affected more people than both the 2005 tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake combined.
Workers are seeking to share the love of Christ in a tangible way with people who have been brought to the deepest place of need in their lives. Tents, food and basic essentials are being purchased and delivered to flood-affected areas in the name of Jesus. The relief effort is moving ahead thanks to the help of locals who are aiding in the distribution process.
* Please pray that Pakistanis will come to view Christians as people they can trust.
* Pray, especially, that Pakistanis will come to see that God loves them and wants to give them not only physical, but spiritual provision.
* Pray for the body to be unified in representing Christ as the One who provides the Bread and Water of Life for all who will believe.
TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
OCTOBER 18, 2010
“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” (Matthew 9:37-38)
WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei (southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malalysia).
BAMBARA OF MALI (BAHM-bah-rah). Many months ago, you began praying that God would send workers to Mali to help with the ‘Foundations for Farming’ project during the planting season. The Bambara Team writes: “Give thanks to God for sending us a volunteer to help in the field. The work is hard and tiresome, but our volunteer doesn’t mind. Thank God for this young man! You also prayed that God would provide the rains that the fields so desperately need. Praise Him that the rains have come! Please pray that the fields will produce an abundant harvest.” http://www.gobambara.org/
HIGHLAND SINGERS OF CENTRAL ASIA. As the group gathers in the evening, on one side of the living room the men talk about the crops or the weather, while on the other side of the room are the women, with babies and health care usually topping their lists of concerns. After a bit, the preacher takes his place and begins with prayer. The room rings with “Amens” chiming in during the pastor’s prayer. After the service, the preacher talks about issues facing them, and discussion follows sometimes deep into the night. Is this somewhere in the United States, some home group down the street? No, this group and groups like them meet every week in the Highlands. This is Ismailism, a religion that teaches peace, kindness and a love of knowledge, and it even honors other religions, including Jesus–but it is “a different Gospel.” Pray for the people to have dreams of Jesus, and pray that He will be honored, loved and cherished as the King! highlandsingers@gmail.com
Have a marvelous Monday!
Anna Lee
“These things I plan won’t happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely, t
he time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow, do not despair,
for these things will sure come to pass.
Just be patient!
They will not be overdue a single day!”
Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)
| Hilda Ard Ridgedell Easley (March 24, 1923 – October 16, 2010) |
A resident of Loranger, LA, died on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 24, 1923 in Tickfaw, LA and was 87 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 10 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Survived by son, Carl Ridgedell and his wife, Robin, Loranger, grandchildren, Ashley Ridgedell Lee and her husband, Colis, Loranger, and Brandon Ridgedell, Loranger, step-grandchildren, Caleb Goudeau, Tara Goudeau, and Renee’ Goudeau, step-great-grandchild, Jaxsen Goudeau, numerous nieces and nephews, including, Marie Ard Guidry and Betty Jean Ard Bankston. Preceded in death by 1st husband, Spencer Ridgedell, 2nd husband, Odell Easley, 2 sisters, Aline Ard Easley, and Mamie Ard Anthony.
Miners heard Bible studies, sermons
Posted on Oct 15, 2010 | by Staff
SANTIAGO, Chile (BP)–Bible studies, Christian music and Adrian Rogers sermons were part of the Chilean miners’ remaining days below the earth as they awaited rescue.
God moved in the heart of one of the miners to request spiritual assistance and spurred an engineer working to free the men to provide not just physical aid but spiritual nourishment.
Though the Chilean culture typically could be characterized as secular and humanistic, people openly expressed gratitude to God as the 69-day ordeal came to an astounding end Oct. 13 with the rescue of all 33 men.
The miners had spent more than two months 2,300 feet below the earth’s surface in a chamber the size of a living room after a partial collapse blocked the mine exit Aug. 5. Their families had waited anxiously at the drill site as rescuers hurried toward their retrieval.
Jose Henriquez, one of three evangelical Christians among the trapped miners, sent up a request in September that an evangelical pastor be enlisted to minister to the miners and their families, according to an International Mission Board worker serving in Vallenar, Chile, about two hours from the mine in Copiapo.
Igor Bravo, a rescue engineer and a member of First Baptist Church in Santiago, heard the request and contacted the Chilean Baptist Union.
Marcelo Leiva, pastor of Vallenar Baptist Church, was called in to provide spiritual counseling at Camp Esperanza (Hope), where the families had gathered and where communication with the miners was ongoing.
Leiva was permitted to speak through a telephone to Henriquez, to pray for him and encourage him, and the pastor sent letters of encouragement down to the trapped men. He also shared the Gospel with their families, and one of the miners’ wives accepted Jesus as Savior.
Also as he mingled around Camp Hope, Leiva witnessed to Chilean policemen and foreign press who had convened at the site, including a Japanese reporter.
Bravo, meanwhile, had called on his pastor, Luis Cortez, for help in meeting the spiritual needs of the miners as they awaited rescue.
“I had to help in some Christian way,” Bravo said. “If there is an opportunity to share the Gospel — even if we’re extremely occupied — and to contribute to the Christian cause and evangelism, it’s something that’s in [my] blood.”
Cortez contacted Radio Harmonia, a Christian broadcasting station in Santiago, which provided MP3 files of Adrian Rogers’ sermons in Spanish as well as Christian music. Rogers, the late pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., was a former Southern Baptist Convention president who had an extensive television and radio ministry.
In another effort to get the Word of God to the men, Bravo located 33 New Testaments and two entire Bibles that could fit down the small corridor to the miners. Henriquez led in Bible study each evening and encouraged his co-workers to stay positive.
“It started out 5, 10, now 20 participants,” Bravo said just before the rescue. “[The people on the surface] have Jose Henriquez identified as the spiritual leader; they call him ‘The Pastor.'”
Two of the miners accepted Christ while they were trapped in the chamber.
On Oct. 11, Leiva sent his final handwritten note to Henriquez.
“I encouraged him for remaining days of confinement,” Leiva said. “That he would remember the promises of the Lord, to have hope and confidence, and that he would also convey to the other 32 miners the message that the same God who has guarded them is the One who is going to guide them in the rescue. And so the anxiety can be dissipated with prayer and confidence in God.”
Christian Maureira, national director of Campus Crusade for Christ in Chile, arranged for the miners to receive T-shirts with the words “Gracias Senor” (Thank you, Lord) printed across the front. He wanted the T-shirts to help the men express thanks to God in a way no one could miss.
Some of the miners had given input for the design of the shirts, and on the back was a reference to Psalm 95:4: “In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him.” Several men were wearing the shirts when they emerged from the earth in the rescue capsule.
“When I saw the miners on TV [wearing the shirts], my heart was like this … really fast,” Maureira said. “I was really excited because a lot of people around the world were looking at that. They gave the glory to God.”
Along with the T-shirts, Maureira had sent the miners 33 MP3 players containing audio versions of the Bible and the “JESUS” film.
Maureira said he hopes the rescue of the miners will be a triumph over tragedy that changes the nation of Chile for the better.
“With these T-shirts, we want to tell [Chileans] it is the plan of God and the glory of God. God is in this situation,” he said. “That was the mission, and we completed the mission.”
Officials said they expect all 33 miners to be home with their families by Sunday, after three miners were discharged from a regional hospital Thursday night and more were expected to be released Friday.
After the mine collapsed, workers endured 17 days before they were able to establish contact with the outside world, and some were afraid they would die underground.
The miners met with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Thursday and were undergoing tests, CNN.com reported, and though a few received treatment, all were in relatively good health. The psychological impact of the ordeal is more of a concern to medical personnel, who said eventually all of the men could exhibit post-traumatic stress disorder.
(Based on reports by Tristan Taylor, an International Mission Board writer in the Americas.)
Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee
“Being confident of this,
that He who began a good work in you
will carry it on tocompletion
until the day of Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 1:6 (NIV)~
Some of you will remember Bro. Chip Sloan as he pastored in this area thirty five years ago. He and Martha became grandparents again.
An Amazing Love
Alan Smith
Posted at Thought for the Day
Thought For The Day
Here is the entire text of a love letter intercepted by a second grade schoolteacher, passed on to a parent:
“Dear Billy, if you don’t say you love me and walk to the bus stop with me I will kill myself and beet you up. I love you and wan to marry you soon. Suzy”
The little girl was eight at the time. The parent showed the preacher the letter at the rehearsal dinner the day before Suzy married Billy. Suzy was twenty-four. During the wedding service, he shared the letter with the guests, and in her vows, had Suzy repeat these words: “I, Suzy, promise you, Billy, never to kill myself or beat you up.”
He later said, “If the marriage lasts as long as her love, and her love is as large as the laughter in the ceremony, the odds are good for a happy ever after.”
We’ll do some amazing things in the name of love, won’t we? And the deeper our love, the more extreme our willingness is. That’s why a mother is willing to stay up all night tending to a sick child. It’s why a godly husband will sacrifice all that he holds dear to care for his wife (Eph. 5:25-28). And, in the most extreme example, it’s why Jesus Christ was willing to give up his very life for us when we least deserved it.
“Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for ungodly people. Finding someone who would die for a godly person is rare. Maybe someone would have the courage to die for a good person. Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God’s love for us.” (Romans 5:6-8, GOD’S WORD)
May God’s example of love motivate us to have a stronger love in our marriages, our families, our churches and all of our other relationships.
Have a great Saturday as you plan and prepare for the Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee
I’m sorry you haven’t heard from me for a couple of days. A backhoe took me out of service for a while. Thankfully, I’m back!
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
~Psalm 18:2~
Today is World Cancer Day! Please pray for a cure.
CaringBridge
Mrs. Mildred Birch’s surgery went well. She has some stents and a balloon. The doctor said it was a blessing she had this warning before a major heart attack. “Miss” Mildred should be home by now and able to drive tomorrow. What a blessing this family has received.
Cheryl Hughes Green said her lab reports went well. The tumors in her arm were all fatty tissues. Join Cheryl in thanking God.
Jadon’s Story
| Willie Mae Graves (March 10, 1922 – October 14, 2010) A resident of Greensburg, LA, died on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was born March 10, 1922 in Amite, LA and was 88 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12 noon Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mark Robinson. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Linda Graves Cutrer, Amite, and Catherine G. Courtney, Bossier City, son, Charles Wayne Graves, Amite, 10 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, Preceded in death by, husband, Charles W. Graves, parents, Marley and Arry Mapes Pittman, granddaughter, Donna Lynn Courtney Tilli, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers.
|
| Emma Thompson Phillips (May 10, 1923 – October 14, 2010) |
A resident of Independence, LA, died at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at Landmark Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. She was born May 10, 1923 in Hillsdale, LA and was 87 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 12 Noon Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Brady Whiddon. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Survived by daughter, Camille P. Russell, Independence, sister, Eula Mae T. LaPorte, Port Vincent, 4 grandchildren, Brandon C. Hammons, Scotch D. Phillips, Kendall P. Woods, and Hagan T. Hammons, 9 great-grandchildren, Cannan Hammons, Banner Hammons, Gyvan Hammons, Taylor Phillips, McKenna Phillips, Ella Rose Phillips, Hudson Woods, Hayden Woods, and William Woods. Preceded in death by husband, Haynie H. Phillips, son, Howell H. Phillips, parents, Johnny R. Thompson and, Katie Hardy Thompson, brother, Alvin C. Thompson, and sister, Loneta T. Binder.
Mary Jane Cuti Dickson
(July 25, 1918 – October 13, 2010)
Mary Jane Cuti Dickson or “Maddie”as she was lovingly known by family and friends, passed away on October 13, 2010. Born July 25, 1918, she lived a full life, always happily caring and giving to her family and friends. She worked for many years at Lallie Kemp Hospital from where she eventually retired. However, her favorite job was caring for her family. She was always in the kitchen cooking, ready for whomever stopped by. Mangia! was one of her favorite phrases. She used food as her personal way to show her love. Mary’s final days ended at the Richard Murphy Hospice House with her family by her side.A lifelong resident of Independence, LA, Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Lyle Dickson, her father and mother, Sam and Annie Cuti; brother, Vincent Cuti; sister, Josephine Cuti Alfano; brother Victor Cuti. She is survived by her two sons, Salvador Dickson and Michael Dickson, both of Independence; five grandchildren, Karl Dickson of Severn, MD; Shawn Dickson of Hammond, LA; Missy Dickson Miller of Albany, LA; Michael Dickson of Independence, LA; and Kristine Dickson of Baton Rouge, LA; as well as eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Funeral arrangements have been made through McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA. Services will be held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church on Friday, October 15, 2010. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 to11:30, followed by the Mass. Burial services will follow at Colonial Cemetery.
| Ionia Hill (April 9, 1921 – October 13, 2010) Ionia Lucy Kirkland Griffin Hill, born April 09, 1921 near Headland, AL died early Wednesday morning, October 13, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was the daughter of Paten and Mellie Brown Kirkland. Ms Ionia married the love of her life, Joseph David Griffin July 01, 1945. They made their home in Jackson, LA where they raised their three children; Polly, Wade and Joe Jr. Her husband, Joe died at the age of 54, and Ionia married Herman Coyt Hill; a preacher from Carthage MS.; who also preceded her in death. Visitation will be at The Lord’s Church, Kentwood, Saturday from 8 a.m. with a service at 10 a.m. Following, there will be visitation and a funeral service at the First Baptist Church in Jackson, LA from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m, Saturday. Services will be conducted by Rev. Don Meadows and Rev. Joe Nesom. Internment will be at the Jackson Cemetery. She is survived by her children Polly Griffin Bridges of Kentwood, LA. Wade Griffin and wife, Debby, of Baytown, TX; Joe Griffin Jr. and wife, Kathey, of Jackson, LA. Grandchildren are Joseph W. Bridges and wife, Jennifer; Mitchel A. Bridges and wife, Donde, of Kentwood. Step grandchildren Mark Stites and wife, Devon of Houston, TX; Penny Stites Morrison and husband, Earl of Dear Park, TX; Joseph Russell and wife Danielle of St. Francisville, LA and Johnny Russell and wife, Becky of St. Francisville, LA. Great grandchildren are Will, Matt, Rebecca. Ashton and Kirkland Bridges; all of Kentwood Lauren, Jonathan and Owen Stites of Houston, TX and Mallory, Mackenzie and Max Morrison of Dear Park, TX, Emily and Mallarie Russell. She was preceded in death by sisters Julia Whitlock and Juanita Dean, brothers Odell, Crawford, Alvis, Horace, Eudolph and Quincey Kirkland. She was an active member of The Lord’s Church, 1936 Hwy. 440, Kentwood, LA 70444 and a longtime former member of the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 155, Jackson, LA 70748. Memorials may be given to either of the above churches or to the Christian ministry of your choice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. Starret Dewaine Cleveland A resident of Greensburg, he died on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 in Hammond. He was born October 20, 1952 in Amite and was 57 years of age. Rev. Cleveland was a pastor at churches in Mississippi and Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, Iris Strahan Cleveland, Greensburg; daughter, Diedra Cleveland Chavers and her husband, Chris, Albany; son, David Cleveland and his wife, Monette, Albany; Pop had 4 grandchildren, Meredith, Micah, Asher, and Sophia. Also survived by a sister, Phyllis “Dell” Gatewood, 2 brothers, Ira Cleveland, Jr. and his wife, Carol Ann, and Mike Pierce, 2 half-sisters, Susie Capdeboscq and Kay Cleveland. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Passman Pierce and father, Ira Cleveland, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. David Fortenberry. Interment Friendship Cemetery, Amite, LA. Memorial contributions may be made to youth or children’s funds at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, or Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Amite. Have a great evening! Anna Lee |
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