Sunday Afternoon

Pray for Mrs. Della  McDaniel.  She fell at home and is hospitalized at Jackson.  Pray for her and her family.

Pray for the family of Ryan Diddon who died tragically this morning.

Pray for Sydney Dixon, the five day old daughter of Rob and Jess Dixon.  Sydney is having breathing problems and is undergoing tests.  Rob was a journeyman in Romania a few years ago and worked with Boyd and Jennie.  Rob spent the Christmas holidays with us at Jennie’s in Bucharest a few years ago.  He is special to our family.

Sunday

And all of you must put on the apron of humility,

to serve one another;

for the scripture says,

“God resists the proud,

but shows favor to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5 (TEV)

Mr. Earl Dees is doing well following heart surgery.  Keep him in your prayers.

Continue to pray for Rev. Butch Reviere as he seeks medical answers and faces surgery.

Pray for Dr. Earl Council as he also seeks answers concerning his health.

Continue to pray for David Allen.

Robert Earl Sanders
(August 31, 1943 – November 19, 2009)

Died at 4:55 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at Canon Hospice Center in Metairie, LA. He was born August 31, 1943 in New Orleans, LA and was a resident of Hammond, LA. Age 66 years. He is survived by his 2 brothers, James O. Sanders, III, Covington and Charles David Sanders, Metairie. He was preceded in death by his parents, James O. Sanders, Jr. and Thelma Mae Smith Sanders. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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

SOME TIME BACK I read a statement which really got my attention…

The statement declared that a little, tiny gnat can wreck an automobile.  Of course, I wondered, “How?”  And the article then explained that a tiny gnat had wrecked a car by flying into the eye of the driver at a critical time, causing the driver to lose control.

The lesson was quite plain: So often in life, little things can do great harm.  It is easy for us to be like the gnat.  Our petty criticisms, murmuring, complaints, and fault-finding can “wreck” the most ambitious person or program.

Friend, what the church needs is “builders” — not “wreckers.”

Which are you?  David Sain

“Now we exhort you, brethren,
warn those who are unruly,
comfort the fainthearted,
uphold the weak,
be patient with all.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14
Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.”

~Mark 10:43 MSG~

CaringBridge Sites”

Baptist Press

November 19, 2009

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers: Senate health bill unacceptable. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31722

WASHINGTON–D.C. suit asks for voter input on ‘gay marriage.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31723

LOUISIANA–La. Baptists express CP support. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31724

WASHINGTON–Northwest Baptists welcome 13 churches. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31725

GEORGIA–Churches become ‘Missionary Encouragers.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31726

LOUISIANA–CP VIEWS (Reggie Bridges): Cooperating for missions. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31727

INDIANA–CP VIEWS (Paul Brewster): My two cents worth. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31728

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Penna Dexter): ENDA VS. religious liberty. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31729

KOMpray (Kids on Mission Pray)
November 20, 2009

“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

Thanksgiving Dinner

Have you ever heard of the country of Bhutan?  When you say it, it sounds like boo-TAHN.  Look it up on a map, and you will find it close to India, Bangladesh and Nepal—way over in the eastern part (the right side of the map). Most of the people are Buddhist, not Christian.

There are many people from Bhutan who have moved to the United States.  About 300 live near Richmond, VA, and lot live in Texas.  Maybe there are Bhutanese (boo-TAH-nees) people living in your city too…

Christians are going to invite some of these Bhutanese people to their houses to have Thanksgiving dinner with their families. They will eat turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy.  The people from Bhutan like chilies in their food so maybe they will slip some hot chilies in the dressing!

Pray for the families that invite these Bhutanese people into their homes. Pray that they will explain that Thanksgiving is a holiday when we give thanks to God for His blessings.  Pray for the people from Bhutan that they will want to learn more about God.

Guess what? I’m praying for you too—praying you will have a GREAT Thanksgiving and that you will say “Thank You” to God lots of times for all the wonderful things He is doing for you.

Prayer Requests from Missionary Kids

Pray that the International School will be able to start their campus in Kuala Lumpur.  MA, age 12 (Southeast Asian peoples)

My family has just moved to a new village in Niger.  Already the Lord has brought me many new friends and I love to run up and down the paths in our village.  Today we had church in our front yard and many people came to hear us sing and tell stories from the Bible.  Please pray that they might come to understand the love of Jesus. NOAH, age 3 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
FAITH IS INDISPENSIBLE in the lives of individual Christians (Hebrews 11:6)…
Faith is also the vital ingredient for church growth.  The words “faith” and “belief” are used almost 500 times in the New Testament.  No individual or congregation can ever be great without faith!
The contemporary religious scene offers no shortage of church growth experts who tout a wide variety of leadership styles, management plans, and growth strategies for building bigger, better, more exciting churches.  In the final analysis, however, real growth in any congregation will never rise above the level of faith of its membership and leadership!
How can you determine whether or not a church possesses genuine faith?
A church with faith is a working church. James says, “But someone may wells say, ‘You have faith and I have works’; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).  A church’s faith is measured by the energetic service, involvement, and sacrificial commitment of its members.  Faith finds a way!  We must dream, but we must also work our dreams!
A church with faith has its heart on God. We must never leave God out of the picture.  Too often we talk of future plans and needed works as though God were not even involved.  We conclude that some things are “impossible” or “out of the question” because we have eliminated God from the discussion.  We made the mistake of trying to calculate the future of the church with an adding machine and a slide rule, without leaving room for God!  We may plant and water, but it is God who gives the increase!
Genuine faith is highly visible — it can be seen!  Our problem is that we try to build churches the wrong way around — we want the results of faith without the rigors of faith!  But faith cannot be counterfeited or imitated.  It must be real to produce real church growth!  Bobby Dockery
KneEmail: “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

Dorothy Courtney Stevens
(October 16, 1921 – November 20, 2009)

Dorothy Courtney Stevens

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; When adversity takes the place of prosperity; When friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; When trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” – Washington Irving

Mrs. Dorothy Courtney Stevens was born October 16, 1921 and passed away at 2:45 a.m., Friday, November 20, 2009, at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. Mrs. Dorothy was 88, a native and resident of Amite.

She is survived by daughter, Margaret Ann Stevens McCoy and husband Bobby R. McCoy, Baton Rouge; son, Larry Earl Stevens and wife Cindy Dees Stevens, Amite; three grandsons, David McCoy and wife Rene, Prairieville; Derek McCoy and wife Shirley, Baton Rouge; Robbie McCoy, Baton Rouge; two granddaughters, Kimberly Stevens Guillory and husband Heath, Ponchatoula; Kristen Stevens, Amite; three great-grandchildren, Madeline, Patrick Wallace and Evangeline McCoy, Prairieville; sister, Margaret Courtney Stevens, Amite.

Preceded in death by husband, Wallace Earl Stevens; parents, Harney and Bessie Shumway Courtney; brother, Norman Courtney.

Pallbearers are David McCoy, Derek McCoy, Robbie McCoy, Ray Bellot, Gerald Melancon, Paul Johnson, and Charles “Butch” Slade. Honorary pallbearer is Greg Dreher.

Visiting at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, November 23, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m and on Tuesday, November 24 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious services at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mike Foster officiating. Interment in Stevens Cemetery, Amite, LA.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Memorial Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

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

Have a great day preparing for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

Dr. Earl Council is home for now.  Continue to pray for him.

ALYNE “DALE” WILSON, AGE 68

And a resident of Mt. Hermon died at 7:15 pm Thursday November 19, 2009 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home under the care of Camellia Hospice. She was a member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church and worked alongside her family on their dairy farm for over 50 years.

Survived by:

Husband of 52 years: Horace Wilson of Mt. Hermon

Son and Daughter in law: Troy and Brenda Wilson

Daughter: Stephanie Wilson of Mt. Hermon

Grandson and Granddaughter in law: Troy Wilson II and Donette Wilson

2 Great-granddaughters: Cassie and Macey Wilson

Great-grandson: Trenton Wilson

Nephew: John and Regina McElveen of Yazoo City, MS

2 Very Special Friends: Laurine Bracy and Jerry Rayborn, Jr.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Dora Lee McElveen, brother Wade McElveen, grandson Spencer Wilson, and great-granddaughter Hannah Wilson

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Saturday November 21st after 10 am until the funeral service at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Troy Bankston, Rev. Karl Wilson and Leroy McElveen officiating. Burial will follow in the Bogue Chitto Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Sherry G. Simpson

Friday

If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.”

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

Pray for Mr. James Miller.  He’s “under the weather”.

Dr. Earl Council is hospitalized in Ruston.  Pray for him and his family as they seek a diagnosis.

Mrs. Jeanette McGehee will have surgery Monday.  Please be in pray for her.

Robert Earl Sanders
(August 31, 1943 – November 19, 2009)

Died on Thursday, November 19, 2009 in New Orleans. He was born August 31, 1943 in New Orleans, LA to James O. Sanders, Jr. and Thelma Mae Smith Sanders. Age 66 years.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time with McKnely Funeral Home, Amite.

Wilton “Ditsy” Bennett
(February 28, 1940 – November 19, 2009)
Died at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at his residence in Loranger, LA. He was born February 28, 1940 in Independence. Age 69 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 21, 2009. Services conducted by Bro. Marshall Wallace. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. He is survived by his 4 daughters, Tawana Bennett, Loranger, Dana Bennett, Eagle, CO, Rosalind Bennett, Wesson, MS and Shannon Bennett, Independence; a son, Brandon Bennett, Loranger; grandchildren, Hannah Depew, Heaven Schmidt, Hayley Bennett, Ragan Gainey, Tristian Picou and Eathan Bennett; great-grandson, Aiden Gainey; brother, James E. Bennett, Loranger; sister, Barbara Williams, Loranger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Lee Hayden Bennett; parents. Obie and Lettie Cutrer Bennett.

THAT’S AMORE!

Ready for some groaners? (author unknown)

When the moon hits your eye,
Like a big pizza pie,
That’s amore.  (song made popular by Dean Martin in 1953)

When an eel bites your hand,
And that’s not what you planned,
That’s a moray.

When your horse munches straw,
And the bales total four,
That’s some more hay.

When Othello’s poor wife,
Becomes stabbed with a knife,
That’s a Moor, eh?

When you ace your last tests,
Like you did all the rest,
That’s some more “A”s!

A comedian ham,
With the name Amsterdam,
That’s a Morey.

When your chocolate graham,
Is with marshmallows crammed,
That s’more, eh.

When you’ve had quite enough,
Of this dumb rhyming stuff,
That’s “No more!”, eh?

What is amore?  It’s the Italian word for love!  The Greek word is, of course, agape.  And in scripture, love is:

–the cement that holds relationships together, the “bond of perfection” (Col. 3:14)

–the essence of God’s nature (I John 4:7)

–the one thing greater than any of God’s spiritual gifts (I Cor. 13:8)

–the foundation of the greatest command (and the second greatest!) (Mark 12:30-31)

–the culmination of the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5-7)

That’s amore!  “Let all that you do be done with love.”  (1 Cor 16:14).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great Friday.  Make time to pray!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow

if you can help them now.”

~Proverbs 3:28 TEV~

Frances Gay shared two requests

  • Rachel Booty has been having seizures for about a year.  She had five yesterday and was taken to an emergency room in New Orleans.  Pray for Rachel and her family as they seek the cause of ther problem and the proper treatment.
  • Ann McMillan has also has been having seizures.  She was released from the hospital in Tylertown yesterday.

Your prayer for these will be greatly appreciated.

Mr. Earl Dees will be in CCU for about three days.  Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

George Langlois
(December 22, 1955 – November 18, 2009)

George Langlois, 53, was born on December 22, 1955 and passed away at 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

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

Ms. Jessie Jones

Age 61, and a resident of Hammond, Jessie passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a very special person, who touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Having worked in the banking business for the past forty years, she was employed by Capital One for the past ten years as the Hammond branch manager and vice-president.

Jessie is survived by two daughters, Lesley Fannaly, and Ashley Lanoue and husband John; grandsons, Davis and Spencer Lanoue; sister, Susan Patenotte; brother, Jerry Jones Sr. She is also survived by her former husband and longtime friend, Bernie Fannaly and many extended family members, including a special niece, Lori Batts.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Thursday, November 19th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until the funeral service time. Rev. Willie J. Holland will officiate the services and entombment will follow in Rose Memorial Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in memory of Jessie Jones, to the American Cancer Society, 10528 Kentshire Court, Baton Rouge LA 70810.

Condolences and other information are available online at http://www.bgthompsonfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home of Hammond.

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

FAITH IS INDISPENSIBLE in the lives of individual Christians (Hebrews 11:6)…

Faith is also the vital ingredient for church growth.  The words “faith” and “belief” are used almost 500 times in the New Testament.  No individual or congregation can ever be great without faith!

The contemporary religious scene offers no shortage of church growth experts who tout a wide variety of leadership styles, management plans, and growth strategies for building bigger, better, more exciting churches.  In the final analysis, however, real growth in any congregation will never rise above the level of faith of its membership and leadership!

How can you determine whether or not a church possesses genuine faith?

A church with faith has its FEET ON THE GROUND.  Faith must be rooted in the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  We are living in the age of religious gimmickry.  All sorts of inducements are offered to lure people to worship.  Some will justify anything which fills pews.  Churches seek to sell excitement, entertainment, easy going informality, and minimal commitment.  The only church growth which his real and enduring, however, is that which is based on God’s Word.  Gimmickry betrays a spiritual shallowness.  It is an expression of a loss of confidence in God’s Word.

A church with faith has its HANDS ON THE PLOW.  Jesus said, “No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).  (To be continued).  Bobby Dockery

“Jesus said to him,
‘If you can believe,
all things are possible to him who believes.'”
~Mark 9:23~
I hope you will join us at the cabin tonight for food, fellowship, and a devotional time led by Rev. Dennis Walker.
Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

We took Micah to see the doctor today (11-18-09) and his bone growth is the same which is good news, but we would have to go back every 6 month or if it starts bothering him. Our prayers have been answered.

Thanks,
Gretchen & Marty Simpson

Eddie Keith Schwartz is experiencing an eye problem and has an appointment with a specialist in the near future. Surgery may be required to correct the problem. Please pray for him as he faces this trial.

James Rimes

Our grandson, Braden Alford,  had the cast and pins removed from his arm.  With some exercise, his arm should now be as good as new.

Wednesday

“For what can be known about God is plain to them,

because God has shown it to them.

For his invisible attributes, namely,

his eternal power and divine nature,

have been clearly perceived,

ever since the creation of the world.”

~Romans 1:19-20a, ESV~

We take Micah back to Children’s Hospital for a check up on his overgrowth bone, Wednesday (morning early). Keep us in your prayers.

Thanks,
Gretchen Simpson

Continue to pray for Rev. Butch Reviere as he has additional medical tests.

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WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD – November 18, 2009

NORTH AFRICANS OF PARIS, FRANCE (PAIR-is). God has answered your prayers for increased involvement on the part of French Christians. Many French believers are now participating in training classes, learning how to share Christ with their neighbors from other cultures. These cross-cultural training sessions are taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Please pour out your thanks to God for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are committed to learning how to share their witness more comfortably. Pray that they will constantly use these newly acquired skills, boldly sharing the gospel with their neighbors. Pray that those being trained will then train others and that many will come to salvation as a result.

BISSA OF BURKINA FASO (BEE-sah). “‘Group Meditation.’ In a women’s group, that’s what they’ve begun to call repeating a Bible story that they are learning,” writes missionary Kathy Shafto. “They gather in a building with a straw roof and a dirt floor. Before the meeting, one woman with a servant heart sweeps the floor of its wind-blown debris and animal droppings. Some of the women are not readers, so this ‘group meditation’ (repetition) is helpful to them and to all the rest of the group as well. They listen carefully as someone tells the story, and then go around the group, repeating the story and listening intently to see if correction is needed. If some are struggling, they act it out. During the telling and retelling and correcting of the story (with much celebration for those who tell it without fault or help), they find that the Holy Spirit is whispering to those hearts who are meditating on His spoken Word. Recently the story was about Mary and Martha. ‘What has God said to you through this story?’ I asked. One responded, ‘When we have visitors in our homes, we should give them more than just food; we should talk about what Jesus would talk about.’ Thank God with me for these women who, according to Colossians 3:16, are letting the Word of Christ dwell in them richly as they teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as they sing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in their hearts to God.” http://www.shaftonews@blogspot.com

MEMPHIS PEOPLE OF CHINA. Please pray for J as she faces many challenges. Authorities have questioned her and tried to intimidate her. The Lord has given her the right answers each time, and she has felt total peace. She has lots of rats in her house, and they are eating her grain, clothes and books. Like most people who live in villages, she doesn’t have screens on her windows. She had two cats, but they only stayed for a few days and wanted out and never returned. Please pray for this courageous woman to stand firm, and ask for God’s protection wherever she goes. Please pray for co-workers for her and encouragement from other believers.

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

FAITH IS INDISPENSIBLE in the lives of individual Christians (Hebrews 11:6)…
Faith is also the vital ingredient for church growth.  The words “faith” and “belief” are used almost 500 times in the New Testament.  No individual or congregation can ever be great without faith!

The contemporary religious scene offers no shortage of church growth experts who tout a wide variety of leadership styles, management plans, and growth strategies for building bigger, better, more exciting churches.  In the final analysis, however, real growth in any congregation will never rise above the level of faith of its membership and leadership!

How can you determine whether or not a church possesses genuine faith?

A church with faith has its EYE ON THE FUTURE.  Faith causes a church to dream.  A church with faith has a plan, a vision for the future.  Too often we are ready to set limits — “We are big enough, are active enough, are well enough equipped, etc.”  But faith looks to the future.  We must dream or we die!  Our faith is just as big as our plan for the future! (To be continued)  Bobby Dockery

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The share group will meet tomorrow night at the cabin at 6:30.  You are invited to join us.
Thank-you for praying today.  You are appreciated!
Anna Lee