The Prayer Link

Saturday

“Your true life is not made up of the things you own,

no matter how rich you may be.”

~Luke 12:15 TEV~

Chapman Progress and Prayer Needs

Emma – Ability and desire to eat, lungs, skull fracture

Ann – Waiting for custom brace, sitting up with halo, shoulder

Krisa – Home today using a walker

Quincy – Disoriented

Deloy – Got to sleep in a hospital guest room last night thanks to a friend staying with Emma

Dukes

Another Week

In a couple of days this experience will be four months old. If I had looked at this ahead of time, I would not have thought we could make it four months. However, with the help of a loving, gracious God who has made himself known to us in some unique ways, the love of a family that has been the mainstay of our support, and the support and prayer of thousands of friends, we are here and looking ahead to whatever the future holds.

This week has been, well, a week. I was able to make a visit home to Orlando for some meetings. All went well. When I went through the security at the airport, all the metal in my elbow and legs did not even cause a stir in the machine. It was as quiet as a mouse in both New Orleans and in Orlando. Thanks to all of you for your prayers. It was great to see some good friends I have not seen since the accident and to get some things accomplishe

d that have been pending for a while.

When I left here Tuesday, I felt Retia was making some wonderful improvements. We had gotten her off some of the medicine that seemed to cause her confusion. However, when I got back, I realized that she had not made as much progress as I thought. We will likely have to return her to both the medications because of other problems that hinder her therapy and her recovery.

In addition, I also discovered today that she has two new infections. The doctor (logically) will not operate on her head as long as she has any infection. As you know, we have been battling infections for months. I am not sure what these are or how they will affect her, but I do know that they will hinder the surgery to protect the bedsore and the surgery to replace the skull cap. We are probably looking at least at three more weeks before getting a date for the surgery. That means at least another month or more in New Orleans.

As you might guess, that is a big disappointment. We were looking forward to getting home in a couple of weeks or so.

I do not blame God for this situation. I believe it is the consequence of a broken world in which a person made a wrong choice or maybe several. We have been caught up in those consequences.

I believe God can overcome these infections in an instant. I also believe he can bring Retia back to her full health in every respect in an instant.

But I also realize he may not. And I pray my trust in him will not wax or wane based on the perceptions I have of his choice.

I believe he has given us the wonderful privilege of prayer. Through this wonderful gift we have the right granted by him to ask him anything our heart desires. But while we have the freedom to ask what we will, I do not believe he has given any of us tools to manipulate him into doing what we ask him to do.

Every once in a while I hear someone say, “Prayer is powerful.” I do not believe that. I believe it is God who is powerful. Prayer is communication. We talk to him and express the desires of our heart. He already knows both what we desire and what we need. He acts in power to work out his purpose and bring glory to himself. That is the right thing to do.

He is busy working out his purpose, and as he works it out, he will do what is right for him and what brings him glory. If it is right for him, it must be right for us. We do not always understand his choices or his actions, but we can trust him to take care of us in every way.

I do trust him. I trust Retia to him. I will continue to pray for her healing, and I am grateful that there are many of you who will do the same. Pray for whatever you desire for her. But pray as though it were Jesus praying. If we seek to have the mind of Christ in our praying, we will be closer to praying for the will of the Father to be done. As Kingdom citizens we want his will to be done on earth just like it is done in heaven.

We can make outrageous requests of him knowing that he, in his outrageous love, will give us what is best for him and us.

I told someone in the early weeks of this experience that we do not know how this will come out. I still do not know. But as it was then, it is now. He will walk with us through all of it. We can still trust him whether he chooses to still the storm or take us through the waves.

Join us both in lifting Retia up to him and in trusting him to be God.

blessings
jdukes

Maggie Lee Henson

Friday, July 31, 2009 7:32 PM, CDT

Glad to be in our own room. Dr.s think lung may be source of temperature. Not sure about that.
Blood pressure hanging in there.
Thx or praying.
love

jin

Saturday, August 1, 2009 12:41 AM, CDT

It is about time for me to switch out with Jinny. Maggie Lee is resting comfortably in her new room, not having much acitivity with her BP and having her temperature down with the help of the cooling blanket (I’m thinking of taking one of those home with me, by the way).

It is nice to be in a room(thanks, Dr. Christ–yes, that’s her name), though we are still in PCCU and still needing constant attention and monitoring. Maggie Lee is as frail as before moving in here and still in need of constant prayer.

I’m so thankful for the nursing staff here. Jinny mentioned the way nurses Lindsey and Stacy stepped in to set up the room with cards and pictures, going beyond the call of duty. They also wore Concierge hats when they helped us find a good local restaraunt for dinner tonight. And then tonight, when I stepped out to get a cup of coffee, I returned to find my chair/bed pulled out with covers drawn back and a peppermint on my pillow. Thanks, nurse Kim! What love and care they give not only to patients but to their parents as well.

We are finding more conduits of God’s love each day.

Lord, may You bless Maggie Lee with Your healing touch as she rests tonight. May she know of Your amazing love for her, especially as provided by loving nurses, doctors and through the prayers of Your people. Amen.

I think I missed posting this obituary. Sorry. My life has been very busy this summer!

Cleon Thomas Hutchinson, Jr.
(October 31, 1933 – July 28, 2009)

Died on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at his residence in Greensburg, LA. He was a native and resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 75 years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of Korean Conflict and received a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from Southeastern Louisiana University. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church, Greensburg, from 1 p.m. on Thursday until religious services at 4 p.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. LaMarylis Cotten and Rev. Kevin Smith. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. Survived by sister, Doris H. Travis and her husband, Billy, nephew, Terry Travis and his wife, Dell, nieces, Betty T. Day and her husband, Lynn, Marilyn T. Taylor and her husband, Randy, great-nieces and great-nephews, Melissa Day, Travis Day and his wife, Grace, Brantley Taylor and his wife, Brandi, Ryan Travis and his wife, Beth, Anna T. Bullinger and her husband, Trey, Courtney D. Passman and her husband, Michael, Brent Travis and his wife, Holly, Angela Kimball and her husband, Paul, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Blase River Taylor, Emma Day, Bella Taylor, George Taylor Bullinger, Michael Charles Passman II, John Travis Day, Sean Capella, Reagan Kimball. Preceded in death by parents, Cleon T. Hutchinson, Sr. and Mattie Smith Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greensburg United Methodist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Please continue to pray for the Welch families.

KneEmail

Conductor

PEOPLE OFTEN PAY high prices because of one man in the concert: the conductor…

He enters to the applause of the audience. A hundred instruments are poised by a hundred tense musicians. Each player is prepared to make a special kind of musical response to his beat; each section will produce melodic lines and rhythmic patterns different from the others. It is the conductor who will weave all the differences together and insure that the orchestra keeps faith with thecomposer’s intentions. He will establish a standard tempo and a standard volume. He will bring out the solo parts, insuring that the orchestra colors the background in just the right musical hues so that the soloist reaches the anticipated excellence. Without the conductor, the finest musicians and the most expensive instruments produce only inartistic chaos.

Like the orchestra, a family needs someone to set the tempo. When the tempo has been set and the soloist steps into the spotlight, the conductor gives him opportunity to perform; so does the father. Without an effective father, a family struggles (Gordon McDonald).

“Every day Mordecai walked in front of the harem

to learn how Esther was and how she fared”

(Esther 2:11).

“Now Esther had not made known her people,

as Mordecai had charged her;

for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him”

(Esther 2:20).

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a wonderful Saturday. Take time to pray for the needs listed here today. Thank God for all His blessings in these situations and many others.

Anna Lee

Friday Evening

Micah and Sarabeth Simpson

We took Micah to children’s hospital today in New Orleans and found out that he has “Osteochondroma” on his rib “left side” Which means he has extra cartillage on his rib that is growing a extra bone (benign tumors).They will to nothing right now but will have to start going on a regular bases to children’s hopitals to keep a check on the growth . If Micah make it to age 16, it will be okay, if not they would have to go in and take the rib out. Pray that he won’t have any problems with this and it will work out.

Sarabeth passed her eye exam and in her normal range. She would have to go back in 6 months to get checked out again.

Chapmans

Krisa

Walking w/o assistance
Dad arrived from OK
Possible discharge Sat.

Ann

Got halo brace this morning
Still in ICU
Lots of pain

Chelsea (friend of Emma’s)

Doing great
Off oxygen
Eating
Possible discharge Saturday

Quincy

Totally confused today
Back brace later today

Emma

Head hurts
Small concussion
Lungs worse, but able to cough
Possibly in regular room Sat. or Sun.

Deloy

Needs sleep
Dealing with insurance issues
Overwhelmed with love and support from friends
Feels blessed

Friday Addition

Paula Splane called and asked if you could put the following on prayer link. An 85-year old man, David Welch, was riding his lawnmower from Paula’s mother’s house back to his house when he was hit by E.H. Welch who was pulling his horse trailer. Mr. David Welch was killed instantly. Paula requested prayer for both families.
Thanks – JAN (Hammons)

Maggie Lee Henson

Friday, July 31, 2009 8:36 AM, CDT

Well, we’re movin’ on up,
To the East Side…
To a DE-lux apartment in the SKI-I-I…

The nurses are moving MLH from Kiosk #23 to ROOM #7. Thank you for your goodness, God!

When I arrived, the nurses had already moved her decorations-cards, Miracles Happen window Cling and MLH and ICP signs over here. I cry at sweet commercials, so, you know I was sobbing. Thank you, God for the monumental tiny blessings along the way.

I love you.

Huey Elizabeth East Waller
(January 17, 1928 – July 31, 2009)

She lived her life to do for others and enjoyed cooking and caring for her family. She passed away at 6:25 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Pine Ridge, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 81 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 8 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 2 p.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Kevin Smith, Elder Joe Nettles, and Elder Heath Williams. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. She is survived by her husband, Ripley Waller, Tangipahoa; daughter, Paulette Nettles and husband, James, Vidalia, GA; 2 sons, Floyd Waller and his wife, Charlene, Kentwood, and Mark Waller and his wife, Susan, Amite; 8 grandchildren, Elizabeth Nettles, Jason Waller, Joseph Nettles, Stacy Waller Guillory, Sharon Nettles Williams, Angela Nettles Atkinson, Alexander Waller and Maxwell Waller; 14 great-grandchildren; and her long time friend, Mrs. Floal Simmons, Independence. She was preceded in death by 2 grandsons, Ryan Kent Waller and Zachary Roth Waller; 5 sisters, Jessie Travis, Leo Ensign, Margie Peavey, Willye East, and Jeanne Morgan; 2 brothers, Lidge East and John East; parents, Floyd and Betty East.

Friday – Obituary

Mrs. Paula Jean Shaw Wall
(October 26, 1927 – July 30, 2009)

Mrs. Paula Jean Shaw Wall a loving mother, grandmother & great-grandmother was born on October 26, 1927 and passed away at 10:28 a.m., Thursday, July 30, 2009 at her residence. She was 81, a native of McComb, MS and a resident of Kentwood. Mrs. Paula Jean was bookkeeper for the Kentwood Livestock Sales for many years.

Mrs. Paula Jean is survived by a daughter, Margaret Susan Wall; 3 sons, Wilton J. “Jimmy” Wall, Sr. and wife, Suzanne, Winston G. “Gene” Wall and wife, Belen, & Michael A. “Mike” Wall all of Kentwood; 8 grandchildren, Wilton J. Wall, Jr., William J. Wall, Byron J. Statham, Aaron P. Statham, Michael S. Wall, Rachel B. Wall, Ashley N. Wall & Jared T. Wilson; 6 great-grandchildren, Alex Wall, Josie Allen, Adrian Wall, Alison Statham, Seth Brown, & Julian Brown.

Preceded in death by her parents, Pete J. & Cordelia Brown Shaw; husband, Archie Wall; & sister, Margaret B. Boudreaux.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood with Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Interment in the Woodland Cemetery

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Hood Home Health Services, 409-A NW Central Ave., Amite, LA or North Oaks Hospice 15790 Paul Vega MD Dr., Hammond La

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Friday Morning Updates

Emma Chapman had a “not-so-good” night. As you pray for the Chapmans, especially pray for Deloy as he copes with all that has happened and is happening.

Maggie Lee Henson

Friday, July 31, 2009 5:48 AM, CDT

What I see when I look at my little girl tonight . . .

Polka dot sheets, with polkas and dots so bright that you can’t help but look her way

Extraordinary life; a life to the full as Jesus would say

A finger lit up in the way of ET

The face of an angel, as if reflecting what she is beholding with her eyes

A scarf-covered epicenter of injury

Wires, tubes and lines working overtime

Answers to prayers

A body holding a vivacious spirit ready to break forth and express

An arm empty of adoring Ellie

Feet that have walked in the light of Jesus more often than not

A girl once tiny enough to nest on my chest

–John

Friday, July 31, 2009 6:16 AM, CDT

It’s almost time for the nursing shift change and I’ll be stepping out for some breakfast and sleep. Maggie Lee’s fever got up to 103 but it has now dropped down to 99. Thank you, early morning prayer partners!

After acting up early last night, the blood pressure is now more stable. If it stays that way, Maggie Lee may be able to move across the floor to a room.

How to pray this morning:

For stable BP
For fever to stay down/go away
For her as more sedation is “peeled off”

–John

Friday

“In my distress I called upon the Lord,

and cried out to my God;

He heard my voice from His temple,

and my cry came before Him,

even to His ears.”

~Psalm 18:6~

Chapmans

Thank God for each person, friend or stranger, who has ministered to the family at the scene of the wreck or at the hospital. Pray for of the Chapman family as they progress through the hospital stays and recovery time. Please continue to pray for Deloy as he struggles with four family members injured in the wreck Wednesday night. Especially pray for “Miss” Ann and Emma, the ones who had the most serious injuries. Thank God Emma is now awake! Especially pray for one of her lungs that isn’t functioning.

Maggie Lee Henson

Thursday, July 30, 2009 9:11 PM, CDT

Good evening friends-
Today was a day of active waiting for us. Active as every nurse who attends to the myriad of needs ml has and cannot meet herself spends a 12 hour shift in perpetual motion.

Today Lindsey took on the monumental and loving task of washing ml’s hair. I braided it Pippi Longstocking style. She is just so beautiful.
We still wait for the sedative depths to wear off. And we pray to a very faithful God whom we trust with all of our hearts.
We are well aware that time wounds all heels and that none of us are exempt from heartache. As I grasp my precious daughters left hand in mine this night I am awed by gratitude that God thinks enough of me to let me be her Mom.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Arts and crafts

Jennifer and Caroline live and work in Portugal. They have been praying about how to meet their neighbors and share Jesus with them. They love art, so decided to use their God-given talents to host a monthly arts and crafts day for children in local parks.

Every art project will teach a Christian story or help the children understand more about how to live like Jesus did—He was kind and joyful and taught others to love God the Father.

Let’s all pray for Jennifer and Caroline that God will help them be very creative and find fun crafts to teach. Jesus says, “Listen! I stand at the door and knock” (Rev. 3:20a, HCSB). Pray that Jesus will knock on the heart’s door of Portuguese children and their parents and that they will ask Jesus to come in.

Prayer Requests from Missionary Kids

My name is Wil. I am 1 and half. Last month I asked prayer for me as my mom and dad started langauge school and were looking for me a babysitter. We did get a new babysitter just in time, and she is great! I like to roll the ball to her. Our whole family is so thankful that God provided a nice lady to watch me and my big sister. Thanks for praying for me last month God is good to give our family what we need. WIL, age 18 months (European peoples)

Please pray for my friend so she can pray to Jesus. LEAH, age 6 (Southeast Asian peoples)

Right now I’m having problems with one of my best friends. He and I have been friends since age 5. Right now we are really not getting along, so I just ask that you pray for me and my friend. PETER, age 13 (East Asian Peoples)

I go to an International School where there are a lot of people of different religions. Please pray that these kids will come to know Jesus like we do. Also pray for my brother. His best friend just recently began to swear and hang out with some really bad kids. JASMINE, age 12 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

Please pray for the poor. ANDREW, age 6 (Southeast Asian peoples)

Please pray for me that I may learn more Chinese so I can talk more fluently. I also would like for you to pray that I may grow in my faith in God. COLLIN, age 12 (East Asian People)

Please pray for the people who worship another god. They speak Spanish. They are deaf, and very poor. KAYLEE, age 7 (American peoples)

Please pray for my family’s safety. There is much crime. Pray that the computer hackers will lose our information and stay away from us. Pray for the churches we are working with. Let them realize that young people can accept Christ and can take part in the Lord’s Supper. Pray that they will understand that all things are possible. CHRISTA, age 11 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

Mission Action

This is a new section for KOMpray.

There are many ways to “do missions.” Click here (http://kidsonmission.org/prayer/details.asp?StoryID=7684&LanguageID=1709) for some examples.

Baptist Press

July 30, 2009

WASHINGTON–A low estimate? At least 13 million abortions a year in China. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30984

SOUTH KOREA–Christians arrested, one executed in North Korea, activists claim. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30985

NEW YORK–Nurse sues hospital for coercion in abortion. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30986

NEW YORK–‘City Uprising’ blitzes NYC with service projects. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30987

TENNESSEE–One tomato at a time, church helps change community. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30988

WASHINGTON–FIRST-PERSON (Penna Dexter): Don’t weaken ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30989

KneEmail

Affirming

IN HIS LITTLE book Fully Human, Fully Alive, author John Powell relates an experience which happened to a friend while he was vacationing in the Bahamas…

The friend was sightseeing when he noticed a crowd gathered toward the end of a pier. He walked down to investigate the commotion. Powell says:

“…he discovered that the object of all the attention was a young man making the last making the last-minute preparations for a solo journey around the world in a homemade boat. Without exception everyone on the pier was pessimistic. All were actively volunteering to tell the ambitious sailor all the things that could possibly go wrong. “The sun will BROIL you!” “You won’t have enough food.” “That boat of yours won’t withstand the waves in a storm.” “You’ll never make it.”

When my friend heard all these discouraging warnings to the adverturous young man, he felt an irresistible desire to offer some optimism and encouraragement. As the little craft began drifting away from theh pier towards the horizon, my friend went to the end of the pier, waving both arms wildly like semaphores spelling confidence. He kept shouting: “BON VOYAGE! You’re really something! We’re wtih you! We’re proud of you!”

How much could be accomplished if there were more brave souls on the end of the pier smiling and affirming? (Charles Swindoll)

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,”

lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 3:13 ESV

Posted by Mike Benson at July 29, 2009

As always, you prayers are greatly appreciated for those mentioned here and for those who have prayer needs, but are not listed here. Thanks for praying!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I go east, but He is not there.

I go west, but I cannot find Him.

I do not see Him in the north, for He is hidden.

I turn to the south, but I cannot find Him.

But He knows where I am going.”

~Job 23:8-10 NLT~

Chapmans

Mr. and Mrs. Quincy Chapman, daughter-in-law, Krista, and granddaughter, Emma were involved in a wreck. Here’s two updates.

His (Deloy’s) wife, mom, dad, and daughter Emma were in an accident. All are stable but please continue to pray. Emma has gotten the worst of it and does have serious but treatable injuries.

Mr. Quincy Chapman has a broken tailbone, but other than that doing well. Mrs. Ann Chapman has a broken ankle, multiple ribs, collar bone and 3 vertebrae. She is talking but in a lot of pain. Krisa has a small tear on one kidney and an abrasion on her head and Emma has a bruised lung, small tear in her spleen and a skull fracture. Please keep praying for them.

There was another person in the car as well. A little friend named Chelsea. She is doing well. She has a bruised lung and spleen. Just talked and prayed with her a little while ago and she was wide awake and cracking jokes… man, kids are pretty tough. Keep lifting them all up in prayer.

Dukes

< plateau. >
I honestly can’t remember ever seeing one, except on Road Runner cartoons. I bet they’re pretty to see. For a few years now, it’s been the buzz word for statisticia

ns who study church culture and report about the leveling of and decline of “churches.” Not what you want your church or business described as. It’s not pretty when it’s associated with your mom, though, and it’s definitely not what I want her to be described as, either, especially in the context of having a brain injury.

No doctor has said Mom is plateauing. I am not even saying it. This is way too long of a journey with much further to go to be saying that Mom has plateaued. But if I am honest, I will tell you it feels like she has, at least at this time. She may “incline” again, but right now it feels like she is at a leveling off point.

She is not lucid about as much as she is lucid. One minute, she is asking me about my kids, the next minute she is asking me to move one of them so he won’t get hurt there in the room (even though they are 10 hours away). One minute, she is convincing me that she is at Erik’s house. The next minute, she is convinced that she is in Kenner, LA in a hospital.

I am not having a pity party. I am not crying woe is me. I am not in need of a really long hug, even though I never mind hugs (I am definitely a hugger). I am just being transparent – it really is difficult to see Mom like this. I know I haven’t lost Mom literally, but in a sense it feels like I have. Maybe it is just the medicine, and it will be different one day. Maybe this is just a season of plateau, and God will continue to show miracles to us. I am all for that. And I am in this for the long haul. All the while, I am trying to stay focused and positive. But it’s not easy.

I had lunch with my iPhone at McAlister’s Deli two days ago. A grandmother and her granddaughter (about my Katey’s age) walked in and sat at the table next to me. I made the little girl smile, but inside I was not smiling. This is what that bleepin driver took away from my Mom. I am not consumed with my anger, and I am not embittered toward him. He made a mistake. I forgive him, truly. I am just still dealing with the consequence. A plateaued Mom who likely will never enjoy Katey’s company to the grocery store or for ice cream or for hot chocolate the same again. That is hard to swallow.

What continues to amaze me is the nearness of God’s love. This week, I saw it most in Tracey. She is a very sweet and very compassionate woman who cleans the rooms at the hospital where Mom is. She heard about Mom and Dad from her prayer chain with her church family. She had no idea she was cleaning Mom’s room, the woman she was praying for almost everyday, until she made the connection after seeing some pictures on this website. Here’s what most demonstrates that Tracey loves fully and serves wholeheartedly no matter what – she cleans Mom’s room in the same wonderful way as she did before she made the connection. No better or worse. The same, which indicates that Tracey does everything that her hand finds to do as though she serves the Lord and not the praises of men.

Thanks, Tracey, for praying for Mom and Dad before you even knew you were serving them. That means so much. Your heart for love and service inspires me.

And thanks to all of you for your continued prayer and support. It has not plateaued. Please pray for Mom’s infections to clear and her skull cap to be replaced within the next two weeks. We are hopeful.

I love my Mom and Dad. Pray for Dad to have fruitful meetings. He flew to Orlando this week for the first time since the accident for some meetings he needed to be at. I know it wasn’t easy walking back into the house without Mom. Please continue to pray for his “heart” to be steady and perseverant.

Love y’all. We’ll post at you later.
-jason

Maggie Lee Henson

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:04 AM, CDT

Maggie Lee’s blood pressure has been up and down all night and this morning. We want it to be at least 70, but not too high either. The doctor and nurses are tweaking for a good balance.

There is quite a storm brewing outside the window at this moment, with thunder rolling and shaking and lightning illuminating and flashing. It seems to come as a reminder that God is still God and full of power and electricity.

God, You are Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Savior and Healer. May Your divine electricity flow through these doctors, nurses, arterial lines and prayers and into Maggie Lee today. Amen.

–John

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 7:01 PM, CDT

Long day at batson.MLs first day being weened off of heavy sedation. No cartwheels yet. Thanks shawna and sharon for diverting jack!

Thursday, July 30, 2009 6:33 AM, CDT

Good morning, friends-
Ml had a decent night last night w one of her terrific nurses, Kim.Jack won 2 stuffed animals for her yesterday, so those are definately keeping her company today.
Pls continue to pray. We definately are carried by The Lord via all of your encourageme

nt.
This indeed has been our worst nightmare yet we are kept in the profound peace of Christ constantly. Thank you, Lord, for your presence.
Love
Jin

One of the members of FBC, Kentwood who was in Mexico on the mission trip said the level of poverty was overwhelming and considered it an honor and privilege to be a small part of good things going on in Toluca, Mexico and is already planning to stay longer next time.

KneEmail

The following devotional seems most appropriate in light of the prayer needs today. Please pray and do your part to “hold a hand” after you read the devotional.

Encouragement

YEARS AGO AN experiment was conducted to measure people’s capacity to endure pain…

How long could a bare-footed person stand in a bucket of ice water? It was discovered that when there was someone else present offering encouragment and support, the person standing in the ice water could tolerate paiin twice as long as when no one else was present. (John C. Maxwell, Encouragement Changes Everything, 25)

Could it also be the case that elders could serve twice as long, preachers could work twice as long, and members could be faithful twice as long, if they had someone holding their hands and encouraging them? I believe that this is the case. As you know, the book of Hebrews was written to those who were discouraged and in danger of falling away. The inspired writer of this book often exhorted brethren to encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13; 10: 24-25). In the twelfth chapter, we read these words, “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” (v. 12). (Wade Webster)

“But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:12

Posted by Mike Benson

Be that encouragement someone needs today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness,

the power and the glory,

the victory and the majesty;

for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;

Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all.”

~I Chronicles 29:11~

Mrs. Nadine Council is home and progressing after her hip surgery and rehab in Baton Rouge. Pray for her continued healing and progress in getting around again.

Kathy Jo Thompson has been undergoing tests to determine her recent problem. So far, all the tests have come back with good results. Maybe…it was medication.

Maggie Lee Henson and her family need our continued prayers as she is brought out of the coma,

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 12:45 PM, CDT

Dr.s believe the icp is as stable as it can get, are now beginning to peel off the layers of deep sedation she is under. Predicting it will take a week. Thx for your prayers as always and please continue!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 5:02 PM, CDT

Maggie Lee has been doing pretty well today. She seems to be adjusting to her body temperature coming up closer to normal and to the decrease in the aggressive treatment of her ICP. We remain confident in the care and minute-by-minute attention she is getting from the extraordinary staff of doctors and nurses. More than that, we remain confident in the One who gives them skill and wisdom for such a time as this.

How to pray right now:

pray for to adjust to the “peeling back” of some of the layers of sedation
pray in thanks for her good blood pressure today
you can continue to pray for her brain pressure to be at a safe level

I’m still praying with Jairus, looking for Jesus to lay hands on our daughter for healing and life.

–John

Baptist Press
July 28, 2009

WASHINGTON–ERLC urges ‘no’ vote, but Senate panel OKs Sotomayor. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30973

TENNESSEE–Families opt for Internet over food, family time? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30974

ARKANSAS–Great Commission, not ‘old wars’ focus of task force, chairman says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30975

VIRGINIA–Slain missionary’s widow retires with forgiveness in her heart. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30976

NEW MEXICO–Glorieta camps: ‘undiscovered treasure.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30977

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Steve Lemke): Michael Jackson & Mrs. Burns. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30978

KneEmail

Jacket

IN 1995, OUTSIDE THE Bulgarian Embassy in Washington, D.C., the son of a former embassy employee lost his life…

Walking with his friends, he was confronted by muggers. Apparently, however, his murder could have been avoided. The thieves only wanted his jacket, but he resisted and fought until one of the agitated criminals killed him.

I wonder what was so special about that jacket? What made it worth a human life to its owner–its age, design, brand, or material? Why didn’t he just give it up? It seems to have meant too much to him.

Lots wife gave up her life for a single glance back at Sodom.
Korah gave up his life for a run at power.
Achan gave up his life for a few items of clothing and a little wealth.
Samson gave up his life for relief from the nagging of a wicked woman.
Absalom gave up his life for a seat on a throne.
Abab gave up his life for a grape vineyard.
Haman gave up his life for a bow from Mordecai.
Judas gave us his life for approximately $30.
Ananias and Sapphira gave up their lives for an infinitesimal percent of the world’s riches. (Neal Pollard)

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world,

and loses his own soul?”

~Mark 8:36~

Posted by Mike Benson

Count your blessings today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;

You will prepare their heart;

You will cause Your ear to hear.”

~Psalm 10:17~

Sarabeth Simpson’s Good Report

We went to get her hearing checked out and the doctor told us nothing is wrong. She also thinks that her speach will clear up when she starts school. We will go back in 6 months just for a check up to make sure everything is still good.

Thanks,
Marty & Gretchen Simpson

Mrs. Barbara Erwin said her hip problem is doing better. Pray this continues so another surgery will not be necessary.

Maggie Lee Henson

Monday, July 27, 2009 10:11 PM, CDT

This has been another tough day. Maggie Lee continues to battle the brain pressure. The steps of progress we were seeing with it are not as frequent any more as the current treatment for the pressure is losing its lowering effect. The damage that the current agressive treatment can have on the rest of her body after two weeks is of great concern to the doctors, whom we met with today to assess the situation now that we are in week 3. We are working with them about next steps in the plan of care. Thank you for your continued prayers. We continue to be in awe of the wide-ranging support and love we are made aware of by letter, post, card, phone call, text message, tweets, and personal visits.

–John

From Caring Bridge – after 2 weeks

132,510 VISITS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Pray for the FBC, Amite mission team that is already in Mexico and the group going today. Pray they are able to touch many hearts and lives this week.

KneEmail

Storm

JESUS TOLD THE twelve to get into a boat on the Sea of Galilee…

As they started across the sea, everything was smooth and calm, and Jesus went to sleep. Suddenly a huge wind blasted on the sea and the boat began to be swamped with water. They awakened Jesus in great fear and said, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (v. 24). They believed they were going to die right there on the water. Jesus woke up and told the wind and water to be still, and instantly the sea was as smooth as glass. At this point Jesus turned to the disciples and asked, “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). The disciples were now terrified, not of the storm that had stopped, but of the One who stopped the storm.

Why were they suddenly afraid? They had already witnessed so much power from Jesus. What was different on this occasion? The difference was that is was their storm. They were the ones in the boat this time. It was their lives on the line. They knew Jesus could take of the storms in someone else’s life, but it was an entirely different issue when it was personal. People tend to do this all the time. Spiritual lives are destroyed because of the storm of family problems, or the storm of past sin, or the storm of sickness, or the storm of money troubles, ad infinitum. It is easy to tell someone else that they need to trust God to take care of them, but what about when it is my boat that is sinking? What do we do?

If Jesus is with you, outside influences cannot enslave you, nor can they sink your boat (Rom. 8:31-39). Outside influences cannot take away eternity as long as you weather the storm. They may make life more difficult here, but they will not defeat you unless you allow them to do so. Jesus Himself suffered more than any of us, yet He was victorious because His focus was on God’s eternal plan, not the immediate storm of life. The next time you are facing a storm, remember that He needs to be in the boat first, and then you will be successful in weathering whatever storm you are facing. (Terry Frizzell)

“But He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’

And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another,

‘Who can this be?’

For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

~Luke 8:25~

Posted by Mike Benson

Thank-you for praying. You prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Monday Addition

This update on Maggie Lee Henson speaks for itself.

I can’t get Jairus out of my head these days. That crazy name has been bouncing around in there each of these last 15 days. It wasn’t too many weeks ago in the lectionary that I preached from the passage in Mark (Chapter 5:22-43) that gives us just a small yet magnificent glimpse into Jairus’ life. My focus was on the story within the story, about the woman who had a bleeding disorder and who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. All of this happened between the time that Jesus received the plea for Jesus to heal his daughter to the time that he actually arrived at the bedside of Jairus daughter to perform the healing. In light of what has happened in my life since preaching this text, perhaps I should have focused on the Jairus end of the story. Who knew I would have so much in common with a man named Jairus?

So, out of the inability to get Jairus out of my head, I return to Mark 5 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%205:22-43&version=72). What strikes me most is something that hit me while studying the text several weeks ago—Jairus’ daughter was 12 years old. I think I even remember noting in my sermon, even though it’s not in my manuscript, of how it struck me that our daughters were the same age. I’ve read and studied this passage countless times, but this time, in this 12th year of my daughter, it grabbed me in a new way and I could relate to him and imagine what he was going through. And, now, that identification is even greater. I now read this passage with a kind of association I would rather not have.

I am right there with Jairus now at the feet of Jesus, pleading earnestly with this Jesus whom I’ve seen and whom I’ve known to do great miracles. I am right there in my desperation and utter fear, realizing that there is nothing else that can work and no one else who can help. I’m right there, not worried about what others who consider it futile or even foolish to go to Jesus are thinking. I’m at the feet of Jesus and I’m pleading. I’m right there believing that there is power in the hands of Jesus and that their placement on my daughter will mean that “she will be healed and live.”

I also identify with what must have been great impatience on the part of Jairus when he saw Jesus taking time to stop and relate to someone else. I’m sure he was thinking, “Uh . . . Um., excuse me, Jesus, what are you doing? My daughter is dying and you don’t have time for anything else.” Jesus didn’t seem to be bothered by the urgency of the situation but was, rather, confident that he (and she) was right in God’s timing. Healing was on the way but had not fully arrived.

I, even at this very moment, feel tremendous urgency and the stress of timing. I fear the unknown while my daughter sleeps and find myself pulling on the other side of Jesus’ garment to get to moving; do something visible right now. Right now, Jesus! Jesus, don’t you know about ICP’s and CPP’s? Don’t you know what will happen if those numbers keep spiraling upward?

Jairus and my soul are reminding me to be patient; that healing is on its way.

Meanwhile, I’m inserting myself into this passage and will keep this Jairus prayer going until I see the results of “Talitha koum!” manifest in my daughter’s body.

Jesus, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”

–John