Tuesday Afternoon

Mrs. Frances Bell had hip surgery yesterday afternoon.  Please continue to pray for her.


Donald Guy Burnthorn


Died on Monday, April 6, 2009 at River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace,
LA. He was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Loranger, LA.
Age 49 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m.
until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11
a.m. Friday. Interment Lawrence Memorial Gardens, Loranger, LA. He is
survived by his wife, Connie Poolson Burnthorn, Loranger; daughter,
Chelsea Brooke Burnthorn, Loranger; 3 sisters, Shirland Smith and
husband, Ken, Denham Springs, Brenda McNeal, Maurepas and Lanell
Sanders and friend, Tom Jacocks, Zachary; mother, Dorothy Rodriguez
Burnthorn, Loranger; numerous nieces nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Luke Burnthorn; step-father,
Tim Burnthorn. He will be sadly missed by his family and many, many
friends.

There are three updates on the Dukes.  I was going to shorten these updates, but decided you need to hear the physical condition of those in the accident and the spiritual and emotional condition of those who are at their bedside.  The key word now is PRAYER!

10:19 A.M. EDT

Hello all,

The family is super super thankful for all the love
and support that they are receiving. Jason mentioned that he wept over
the tremendous outpouring of love that you all have given.

Things
are still very hectic with the hospital care, so the family has asked
for everyone to stay tuned through this web site to relieve some of the
chaos. We will most definitely let you know how you can serve when the
time comes. For now, prayer is absolutely HUGE!!!

Jimmy’s
surgery went well yesterday. They were able to get everything done that
they needed to in his legs and feet. He has rods in his legs and pins
in his feet. He will have surgery tomorrow to repair the breaks in his
left arm and wrist. The biggest thing to pray for there is a successful
surgery tomorrow, but he is in a tremendous amount of pain. Please pray
for grace and comfort in that area.

Good news on his neck. The
doctors said that he should just have to wear a neck brace for 5-6
weeks rather than the halo that they thought he would have to wear for
a longer period of time. The fractures there should heal on their own.

Unfortunately,
it is still not looking good for Retia. They’ve determined that at
least a quarter of her brain is bruised. They also said that if she
wakes up, there will be significant long term issues. So, we simply need to be praying for a MIRACLE there. We serve an awesome God and He is fully capable!!!

Again,
thank you so very much for your love and support and prayers. How
amazing is it that God created us to walk and journey together through
the good and the tough times and that we don’t have to be alone? God is
good!!!

12:10 P.M. EDT

Wow – first I have to write to tell all of you that Erik and I and our wives and kids are so blessed and so overwhelmed
by the love you all have poured out to us and our mom and dad since
Saturday night. Too many to mention, so please let this suffice as at
least a first of hopefully many thank you’s that will come. Secondly,
we have been so touched by the number of people who have responded to
this tragic situation with our parents and have been praying in their
local communities for mom and dad and our family. We so appreciate it and love you all so much. 

This
has been hard. Just being honest. I have even been thinking a lot in
the last year about how Jen and I and Erik and Erin are entering a
season of life where walking with our parents toward death is a
reality. This situation has brought it into full attention. That is ok,
because death is inevitable, at least from these mortal bodies.
The sorrow that causes for all of humanity angers me, a bit like Jesus
was angered by it in John 11, because the havoc wreaked from what
happened in the Garden continues to wreak havoc in the lives of the
people God loves so much all over the world. Oh for the day when
restoration is ultimately completed. Nonetheless, this has been hard. 

It’s
been hard simply processing that mom and dad were run over by an SUV.
It kills me inside to think of the horror and hurt of that moment. The
driver did stop. He is very disturbed. Please pray for him, too.

It’s
been hard looking at a woman who was once a stunning beauty and who at
68 looked 45 now be reduced to a mostly shaved head and a large piece
of her skull missing to relieve the pressure from the swelling of her
brain. It’s been hard speaking to and singing to Mom and not hearing
her beautiful voice or feeling her love pats that she became famous for
among the people who know her well. It’s been hard watching dad hurt so
much from multiple fractures and hurt when he breathes. It’s been hard. 

It’s
been hard talking on the phone to Jen and the kids back in Orlando and
Katey asking me to ask Ammaw if she can come over soon to watch Tom and
Jerry. It’s been hard hearing Abby ask for her “Big Bird” (what she
calls Pop right now – she loves to pretend) and for her Ammaw to come
over to play. It’s been hard knowing that Caleb knows what’s going on,
and Katey somewhat, and the thought of them not interacting with
Mom the same way again. It’s been hard knowing all those boys of Erik’s
who have been eagerly looking forward to Pop and Ammaw’s visit that
would have happened next this Friday (April 10th) will be disappointed. 

It’s
been hard thinking about the stuggle Dad will have to walk again. It’s
been hard thinking about whether Mom will even wake up again. It’s been
hard.

But it’s been good. 

It’s been good being with
friends and family. It’s been good watching the church be the church in
so many places – praying, responding, caring, believing. Being a community of people who deeply love each other the way we were intended to love each other.

It’s
been good hearing the stories from people whom Mom and Dad have touched
and loved and impacted. So many. I told Erik last night, “We swim in
the large ocean of Mom and Dad’s faithfulness and love and credibility that has given refreshing water to so many.”

It’s been good knowing that, barring some complication with Dad, that he and I will enjoy a coffee and conversation together again at House Blend Cafe or the Starbuck’s at the Winter Garden Village. 

It’s
been good, the support Erik and I both have gotten from those we work
with, giving us the freedom to be with Mom and Dad, providing resources
to help make it happen. 

It’s been good knowing that, because of that support, I will have so much intense time with my dad and mom helping them recover. 

Thank you for your cards and texts and voice mails and facebook messages and twitters and hugs and support. It’s been good. 

Please pray for Mom to respond in some fashion that demonstrates interaction and isn’t just potentially a motor-sensory reflex. The next two days are crucial. Wednesday night will have been 96 hours since the accident, and the neuro-surgeon said that will be a bit of a landmark time. 

Please
pray for Dad to be able to be comforted in his pain. Pray for his
surgery tomorrow to fix his left arm – broken in 3 places. He is
left-handed, so it will be a long road on that one. Both legs had
rods placed in from knee to ankle yesterday afternoon. He won’t be able
to walk on it for a month, they said. He has to wear a neck collar for
5 to 6 weeks. They said the fracture in his neck should heal in that
time. Several broken ribs punctured his lung, making it hard to
breathe. Pray for that to heal well, too. And a long road of rehab. 

By the way – please pray for my friend, Kris DenBesten. His 9 year old daughter still is waiting for a heart transplant. He sent a text of prayer and support. That meant so much, considering all he is walking through. 

Thanks again to all of you. We love you. I will try to update again soon.

-jason

4:45 P.M. EDT

As of this afternoon Mom/Retia is doing about the same.  One
doctor has described her condition as a deep coma. She is not getting
worse.  Another doctor encouraged us to not give up hope.  

Thanks so much for the prayers. Please keep it going.

Tuesday

“I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.”
~Psalm 57:9~
Continue to pray for the Dukes and their family during this trying time.


Mrs. Frances Bell was still waiting to see a doctor as of the last report. Hip surgery will probably be scheduled. She was not feeling any pain, just waiting. Please pray for her.
KneEmail
“At thet name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THE CARPENTER’S TOOLS had a meeting…
Brother Hammer served as the chairman. The other members of the tool belt informe him that he must leave, because he was too noisy. But brother Hammer said, “If I have to leave this carpenter’s shop, then brother Gimlet must go too. He’s insignificant and makes a very small impression.” (A gimlet is a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and a cross handle for boring holes).
Little brother Gimlet arose and said, “All right, but brother Screwdriver must go also. You have to turn him around and around to get anywhere with him.”
Brother Screwdriver turned to the other tools in the belt and said, “If you wish, I will go, but brother Plane must leave too. All of his work is on the surface; there’s no depth to what he does.”
To this brother Plane leveled his terse reply, “Well, then, brother Saw will have to depart too. The changes he proposes always cut too deep.”
Brother Saw complained, saying, “Brother Ruler will have to withdraw if I leave, for he’s always measuring other folks as though he were the only one who is right.”
Brother Ruler then surveyed the group and said, “Brother Sandpaper doesn’t belong here either. He’s rougher than he ought to be, and is always rubbing people the wrong way.”
In the midst of the discussion, the Carpenter of Nazareth walked in. He had come to perform his day’s work. He put on His tool belt and went to the workbench to make a pulpit. He employed the ruler, the saw, the plane, the hammer, the gimlet, the screwdriver, the sandpaper, and all the other tools. When the day’s work was over, the pulpit was finished, and the carpenter went home. All the accusations against each of these tools were absolutely true, yet the carpenter used every one of them. No matter which tool He use, no other tool coul have done the work better.
We are all “tools”” in Jesus’ tool box. Each of us has a purpose, ability, and a task to perform.
“For we are God’s fellow workers…” (1 Corinthians 3:9a; cf. 12:12ff).

The Easter Drama at FBC, Amite was good. It’s nice to visit there and see so many friends.

Tonight is the last presentation of the Easter Drama at FBC, Kentwood. Call the church office for tickets if you need some. The number is 229-8111.

Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Monday Evening

Update on the Dukes 8:45 P.M.

Latest information on Mr. and Mrs. Dukes
Hey everyone,
We got the report from Jimmy's surgery on his legs and feet. Everything went well,
and the doctors did everything they needed to do for his legs and feet in the one
surgery.
They plan on operating on his left arm this Wednesday, to repair the fractures there.
They have also discovered that he has a broken wrist. So, there is still plenty 
to pray for. But we're thankful for a good surgery today!
Things are still the same with Retia. They are awaiting the results of more tests.
Please continue to pray for God's healing power in her body.

Thank you all so much for your love and support and prayers. God is good!

Monday Afternoon

Baptist Press

Jimmy & Retia Dukes seriously injured

Posted on Apr 6, 2009 | by Michael McCormack NEW ORLEANS (BP)–New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary professor Jimmy Dukes and his wife Retia were struck by a vehicle Saturday evening, April 4, as they crossed the street from the seminary’s main campus in New Orleans to the school’s Providence Guest House. Both received multiple injuries.

The Dukeses were transported to separate hospitals — he to Tulane Hospital and she to University Hospital. He later was moved to University Hospital as well.

Dukes received multiple fractures and injuries — two broken legs, a broken arm, a cracked vertebra and a punctured lung. He was scheduled for surgery April 6. Retia Dukes experienced head trauma in the accident. Upon arrival at the hospital, she underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage. She remains in critical condition.

Jimmy Dukes has served as the director of theological education/distance learning for the Florida Baptist Convention since 2007.

Dukes was with his wife in New Orleans for an NOBTS extension center directors’ meeting. He has worked in various roles at NOBTS since 1980, joining the faculty in 1984.

In an arrangement with the Florida Baptist Convention, he also serves as associate dean of the seminary’s Florida extension centers, director of the seminary’s Orlando hub and professor of New Testament and Greek. He holds master of divinity and doctor of theology degrees from NOBTS.

NOBTS President Chuck Kelley issued a prayer update to the seminary faculty, staff and alumni Sunday afternoon.

“The next several days are critical for Retia Dukes,” Kelley wrote. “We do call upon the grace of God and know that He will do whatever is necessary to meet the needs of His children. 2 Corinthians 4 and Psalm 46 are great passages for us to keep in our hearts in these days. Let us all keep these precious families before the Lord.”

“Dr. Jimmy Dukes is the greatest educational visionary I have ever known,” Kelley told the Baptist Press. “He and his wife Retia have been valuable and important contributors to both the mission of NOBTS and the community of NOBTS families for many years.

“We are all asking God for their full recovery,” Kelley said.

The Dukeses’ two sons, Erik and Jason, arrived in New Orleans Sunday. Erik is a family practitioner in Booneville, Miss. Jason is pastor of Westpoint Fellowship Church in Windermere, Fla.

The accident happened at dusk Saturday evening at 7:35. A vehicle traveling east on Gentilly Boulevard/Chef Menteur Highway struck the Dukeses as they crossed from the main campus to the seminary’s guest housing across the street.

NOBTS campus police and witnesses contacted first responders immediately. Several New Orleans residents, who were on the seminary campus to vote in an election that evening, stopped to offer help as well.

The family is posting updates on the CaringBridge website. Updates are found in the journal section at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmyandretiadukes. The site is free but requires registration to receive access.

Michael McCormack is a writer for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Monday

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful

in handling this small amount,

so now I will give you many more responsibilities.

Let’s celebrate together!”

~Matthew 25:23 NLT~


Yesterday, both presentations of the Easter Drama at FBC, Kentwood were well attended. If you have not attended and wish to do so Monday or Tuesday, contact the church office at 229-8111 for tickets.

FBC, Amite has one more night of their Easter presentation. That will be at 7:00 P.M. tonight. Tickets are not needed.


Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell was back at church yesterday morning. She looked good, but is still seeking information on the cause of her problems. Pray for her as she sees her doctor in Baton Rouge Thursday.


Mrs. Faye Price is still in North Oaks. Pray for her and those caring for her.

Don Denton and Family

Just an update: We have decided not to go to St. Louis on Monday and we will be rescheduling Don’s tests for another time.

I am exhausted. Joshua is still ill. And I am just not able to do all of this. Trying to keep up with my work and do all of this is overwhelming.

I am just not sure how I can do all of this and I am very tired.

I will update you all if any changes.

Diane


Today is Day 4 of statewide testing in the school system. Pray for all those involved.



MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Please continue to pray for the Cape Town Metro Evangelism Team in South Africa. The team leader began her stateside assignment in March and will be in the United States until June. Pray for her to have a restful time, and pray for her mother, whose health has been failing. Ask that they will have some good time together. A missionary couple on the team has been having many health problems. Although both B and V are making progress, there is still much rehabilitation and healing that needs to occur. Please ask the Lord to continue strengthening them and to allow them to continue His work. Finally, there are many MKs (missionary kids) on the team, several of whom are in grades 10, 11 and 12. These are the toughest years in the South African school system, as the curriculum is structured not only to prepare the student for university, but to prepare them for a particular field of study. This means that many of the students are studying what would be equivalent to first- and second-year university subjects. Pray also for the MKs who are new to South Africa and are adjusting to this new system as well as to their new home. Thank you for continuing to pray for the team and lifting them up in their personal situations so that they can continue to do the Lord’s work in Cape Town.


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

WHEN BRITAIN’S OLDEST man turned 111, vintage aircraft did a flyover, and the Band of the Royal Marines played “Happy Birthday…”

According to the Daily Mirror, Henry Allingham was amazed by all of the attention. Until 6 years earlier, he had for 86 years kept secret the horrific memories of what happened in the trenches of World War I. Only when tracked down by the World War I Veteran’s Association did this old man, who had been shelled, bombed, and shot, receive honor for what he had endured in behalf of his country.

The story of the Bible gives us parallels to Henry’s story. The Scriptures show that those who fight the battles of God often end up wounded, imprisoned, and even killed as a result of their service.

The cynic might observe such lives and conclude with a sigh that no good deed goes unpunished. But the author of Hebrews sees a bigger picture. He reminds us that everything and anything we have done in faith and love will one day be honored by God (6:10).

Are you discouraged today? Do you feel insignificant? Do you feel forgotten after trying to serve God? Be assured that God will not forget anything you have done in your service to Him or others. (Mart De Haan)

“Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (Hebrews 11:35-40).

Blessing to each of you today!
Anna Lee

Sunday

Meaning of Easter

“Through the blood of His Son,

we are set free from our sins.

God forgives our failures

because of His overflowing kindness.”

~Ephesians 1:7 GWT~

Update on Scott Lindsey

Please continue to pray for Scott. As you know he suffered a traumatic brain injury from a 4-wheeler accident February 28th. He was transferred from Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge to Touro Infirmary in New Orleans on Thursday for Rehabilitation. Scott is truly a miracle! He is walking and talking, he is oriented to time and place.

There is a 50% mortality rate for the injury he sustained. Most patient’s with the injury Scott sustained are not nearly as far along as he is. The Doctors and Nurses are truly amazed. Please continue to keep Scott in your prayers. He is anxious to come home, but that is not possible at this time. Pray for him to have understanding and guidance and for the nurses and rehabilitation team that are working with him.


Don Denton and Family

Friday, April 3, 2009 11:49 AM, CDT

Just a quick update: Don did well on the pain meds last night and is doing better this morning. It is going to be a rough 3 weeks ahead of us.

I need prayer for the following. We are going back to St. Louis on Monday for testing all day. The doctors office has informed us that our insurance company is refusing to pay for a $400.00 test. We would need to pay up front.

I am not asking for money, but I am asking that you would pray that we would find a way for Don to have this test.

The doctors office has informed us that our insurance company is one of the only insurance companys that will not pay for this test. All other insurance companies do.

Joshua may have an ear infection, so I take Joshua to his doctor at 2pm today and Don sees an eye doctor to check pressure behind his eyes today.

Thank you for your love and support.

Diane


Saturday, April 4, 2009 4:45 PM, CDT

Well, Don miraculously did not have a headache yesterday. And today it has been minimal. Thank you God. I am so thankful for this. I don’t think I could have handled a relapse and Joshua being sick.

Yep…Joshua at doctor yesterday and then again this morning. Doctor sent us for xrays at hospital today and nebulizer treatment at doctor office.

Good news Joshua does not have pnemounia. He has inflammation in his airway. So Joshua is on a steroid and nebulizer treatment until he is better. Depending on how Joshua does today and tomorrow will determine whether we have to cancel all day testing for Don is St. Louis on Monday.

Joshua was up as I was most of the night last night with fever and constant cough and then on the way to doctor vomiting.

I think we should own part of the pharmacy by now….all of the pharmacists and techs know us by first name now.

I am so thankful that Don has not relapsed which I believe is a direct answer to prayer. I believe that with all that is within me. I saw how sick Don was the other night and I know this is a miracle that he did not relapse.

So, as this season of newbirth, new beginnings and the amazing reminder of Christ’s resurrection and what that means for us as believers, I am thankful.

I am tired and yet, thankful that I have not gotten what Joshua has, nor has Don. I make Don wear a mask and we have hand sanitizer everywhere throughout the house.

Well, a busy night ahead of me. Thank you so much for praying for Don and all of us.

Diane


THE POWER OF BAPTISM

The following true story comes from Verna Chambers in “Kids of the Kingdom”:

Little Betsy had faithfully attended baptism classes. Her mother, wanting to be sure her daughter understood its significance, asked, “Honey, what does baptism mean?”

“Well, it isn’t the water that makes you clean … ” she began.

Smiling, Mother thought, Yes, she understands.

” … it’s the soap.”

Well, Betsy was at least half right. Baptism is indeed the point at which the sins of a penitent sinner are washed away (Acts 22:16), but it’s not the water itself that makes you clean. Paul makes reference to the cleansing that comes in “the washing of water by the word.” (Eph. 5:26). Jesus, himself, spoke of the new birth as being “born of the water and the Spirit” (John 3:3,5). But there is no regenerational power in the water itself.

No, the power of baptism is the blood of Jesus Christ. As John acknowledged in the opening of his Revelation: “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” (Rev. 1:5).

Does that detract from the value of baptism? Not at all. Baptism is no less important. It just means that the power of baptism is found not in the water, but in the blood of Jesus Christ. That’s why Paul connects the two so closely in Romans 6:

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death…” (Romans 6:3-4). Separating baptism from the blood of Jesus Christ is like separating the chassis of a car from its motor. A car is useless without a motor — that’s where the power is! And baptism is worthless without the blood of Jesus — that’s where the power is!

What a beautiful symbol baptism is of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:4-5). Thanks be to God for the cleansing that comes at the point of baptism, but greater thanks indeed for the blood of Jesus Christ which provides the power for that cleansing!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

The first two presentations of the Easter Drama at FBC, Kentwood are today. Tickets are still available for Monday and Tuesday nights.

Pray for the drama to be meaningful not only to those who view the drama, but to those who participate in any way. In previous years the drama was very effective as a “revival“. Pray that will be true this year too.

The Easter presentation at FBC, Amite will be today and tomorrow. Tickets are not required.

Worship the Lord this Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“The Power of the Cross”

First Baptist Church, Kentwood

Sunday – 2:30 & 7:00 P.M.

Monday & Tuesday – 7:00 P.M.

Tickets – $2.00

985-229-8111

Pray for the dress rehearsal this afternoon and each presentation Sunday through Tuesday. Pray for all those who will participate and all those who view the presentation. Pray lives will be touched by the message of “The Power of the Cross”.

Friday

“Do not fear, little flock,

for it is your Father’s good pleasure

to give you the kingdom.

Sell what you have and give alms;

provide yourselves money bags

which do not grow old,

a treasure in the heavens that does not fail,

where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.

For where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.”

~Luke 12:32-34~

Don Denton

We made it home this afternoon and we all are so glad to be home again. It is true that there is no place like home and the comfort, peace and rest that it can bring to one.

I am coming to you all again. I am broken and empty. Don has had a headache most of the day and it has gotten worse tonight. It is the first time he has needed a narcotic since January.

The doctors at Barnes told us that if Don should relapse between now and the surgery in three weeks that we should take him immediately to the ER in Springfield and have the hospital there transfer Don to Barnes Jewish. They will be waiting for his arrival and they will do immediate emergency surgery. So seeing Don’s headaches increase is very hard.

Joshua has a cold. The usual Spring cold that happens.

It seems as though we are loosing ground that we felt like we had gained with Don doing better.

Tonight Joshua brought a book to his daddy and Don was unable to read it to him. Josh climbed up in the chair and the look on his face was that of hopelessness and saddness. When I came over to him and just nelt beside him, Joshua had tears streaming down his face. Silent tears. He was so sad.

Don, Joshua and I just talked about our saddness and how we all have cried during this difficult time and it is OK to cry.

I just held him. Then the cat and dog decided they were going to put on one of their shows for us. It can be very commical.

We also got word from the insurance company responding to my appeal. They are going back on everything they said they would do with Mayo reimbursement. They are not honoring what they agreed to. So now I have to somehow figure out how we are going to be able to do this. I just have to find a place to put this on the burner until Don is better.

I continue to pray for healing. I continue to pray that this will be treatable. Tonight I am so discouraged.

WEll as you can see, I so need your prayers. WE all do again. WE find ourselves not understanding. It will be seven months soon, and three different hospitals. It seems so surreal.

Pray for Don that we can control his headaches with meds until he is off of the steroids.

Pray for Joshua. He is a child, not an adult. Some people think children should act like adults and that is the saddest thing when I encounter that. They just don’t get it.

Here I am being honest again. I could use some prayer myself. It is so hard to watch the ones you love suffer.

Oh my soul needs filling with hope.

Diane

From Mary Margaret Kundler:

I have 2 kids to be put on your prayer list. I have a driver his grandson has leukemia his name is Tyler Mc Clendon he is only two months old and they are at Childrens in New Orleans. We also got a note yesterday from school that a sixth grader also has leukemia. Her name is Jenna Van Dan and she will be in Jackson, MS getting her treatments at University Medical Center. Please lift these kids and there families in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for all involved in state testing in the school system.

Bertie Jane Greenhill Kilpatrick
(March 17, 1930 – April 1, 2009)


Native of Clarksville, Tennessee and resident of Amite, Louisiana, born March 17 –St. Patrick’s Day — of 1930; died Wednesday evening, April 1st, 2009. She is the daughter of Margaret Jane Perkins Greenhill and James Edward Greenhill. Bertie Jane, preceded in death by her father, her stepfather, William Richard Hellmers, her mother, and her sister Linda Ann Greenhill Simms.Bertie Jane leaves here John Herbert Kilpatrick, her husband of 59 years, her three sons, John Stephen Kilpatrick, and wife, Elaine and their two daughters, Morgan and Christina, of Shreveport Louisiana; James David Kilpatrick, residing abroad; and Richard Ross Perkins Kilpatrick, and wife, Kathleen, of Denham Springs, Louisiana.With Bertie Jane now are all her cherished dogs — most assuredly Samuel and little Pete Block.Forever missed here below, Bertie Jane now rests in ineffable peace with God and those above.Before her death, Mrs. Kilpatrick requested that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to either of the following:The Humane SocietyDepartment GABHGP2100 L Street NWWashington, D.C. 20037Doris Day Animal League227 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Suite 100P. O. Box 96084Washington, D.C. 20090-6084++++++++A brief graveside service for relatives and close friends will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 4th, at the old Amite Cemetery, Amite, officiated by The Reverend Dennis Walker of Amite First Baptist Church. A viewing will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00 A.M.. until 10:45 A.M.

Baptist Press

April 2, 2009

IRAQ–JOURNEY TO IRAQ: Christ’s story still told in historical land. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30190

IRAQ–JOURNEY TO IRAQ, Part 2: Soldier’s baptism speaks volumes. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30191

WASHINGTON–In Iran, ‘crackdown’ on Christians heightens. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30192

IOWA–‘Gay marriage’ on docket in Iowa, NY. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30193

FLORIDA–‘Quiet influence’ focus of ministers’ wives. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30194

TENNESSEE–Pistol Pete’s faith gets new spotlight. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30195

TENNESSEE–Terri Schiavo’s death is documentary’s focus. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30196

TENNESSEE–Pro-lifers send red envelopes to Obama. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30197

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Jerry Rankin): When is the last time you lived with urgency? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30198


KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
IN 490 BC, THE Persians landed at a place called Marathon with the hope of capturing Athens…
Greatly outnumbers, the Athenians dispatched Pheidippides to Sparta for help. Pheidippides is reported to have run one hundred and fifty miles in two days. Then, when he returned and learned that the Athenians had already defeated the Persians, he ran another twenty-two miles to Athens. There, he shouted, “Rejoice… We conquer,” and collapsed to his death in exhaustion.
The first Olympics (1896 AD), retraced Pheidippides’ steps with a twenty six mile race in his honor. Today, “marathons” are still run and every step of every race pays silent tribute to a hero that was faithful to the very end of his life. In keeping with that same spirit, Hebrews chapter three challenges us to “hold fast” [literally, “stay the course”]…firm to the end (3:6, 14; cf. 4:14; 6:18; 10:23). (Dan Winkler)
“But Christ as a Son over His own house,
who house we are if we hold fast the confidence
and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.”
~Heb. 3:6~
May Friday be the “topping on the cake” for this week the Lord has provided for us.
Anna Lee

Thursday

“If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.”

~Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT~


Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is feeling better and plans to be in Sunday School and church Sunday.  Please continue to pray for Mr. Philip and “Miss” Annie Bell.

Don Denton

I have been so busy the last few days it has been hard to find time to sit down. 

So
here it is as we know it.  The doctors want to do a biopsy of the
mennigies of the brain.  It will happen in 3 weeks.  They want Don to
taper completely off of the steroids before doing this biopsy.  Unless Don were to relapse then they would preforn the surgery immediately.

Don was discharged today from Barnes and he had outside testing today and possibly tomorrow.  WE hope to be home by tomorrow as well. 

We have been here now 10 days and we are pretty tired and ready to be home.  We ask for prayer in the following ways:

  • Don not relapse so that he can be completely off of steroids before the surgery.  Steroids can skew results.
  • Don is having more and more headaches.  Pray that he does not relapse.
  • Pray for Joshua that he can deal with another hospital stay in 3 weeks.
  • Pray for me.

We
have so much to be thankful for.  The Agivino family has provided a
real need for us.  They opened their home to us and just have love and
care and supported us.  Joshua loves Ann and she has an precious gift
when it comes to children.  And she is a great play buddy too.  We are so grateful for them ministering to us in this way.

We
again are asking for God’s mercy and grace upon us.  We so need it and
we so need prayer.  We are ready to find the answers as to why Don’s
dizziness is not getting better.  We are praying that whatever they
find that it is treatable.

I will update you soon.

love

Diane



Emily Payter


This is Emily’s mom reporting in; Emily has internet problems, and
asked me to give an update. She went for another CATscan several weeks
ago in Greenville, and she said it was obvious that most of the fluid
and hematoma were gone, but she didn’t have the official results. Luke
dropped off the results in Dallas at Dr. Shat’s office, and she
received a letter from him last week. In it he said that everything was
back to normal and then added “HAVE A GREAT LIFE!”. He was always one
of our favorite doctors, because he is so positive and funny. He spent
a lot of time with Emily, and was so encouraging. Once again, we thank
the Lord for all of the excellent care which Emily received at Baylor.

Her
recovery continues to be a miracle for which we praise our Lord. I must
admit concern for her, however, because, while her body has healed, for
the most part, from all the surgery and trauma, she is back to being a
full-time mother of 5, and that is exhausting for even the most healthy
mom! I know she would appreciate your continued prayers. She assures me
she is being very good about not overdoing it; she is fully aware of
her limitations.
Thanks again for all your support and encouragement.
Today is Day 2 of statewide testing in the school system.  Please continue to pray for all involved.


                 RULES FOR STRAY CATS (AND SIN)

The following is a list of STRICT UNBENDING RULES for dealing with stray cats:

 1. Stray cats will not be fed.

 2. Stray cats will not be fed anything except dry cat food.

 3. Stray cats will not be fed anything except dry cat food moistened with a little milk.

 4. Stray cats will not be fed anything except dry cat food moistened with warm milk, yummy treats and leftover fish scraps.

 5. Stray cats will not be encouraged to make this house their permanent residence.

 6. Stray cats will not be petted, played with or picked up and cuddled unnecessarily.

 7. Stray cats that are petted, played with, picked up and cuddled will absolutely not be given a name.

 8. Stray cats with or without a name will not be allowed inside the house at any time.

 9. Stray cats will not be allowed inside the house except at certain times.

10. Stray cats will not be allowed inside the house except on days ending in “y.”

11. Stray cats allowed inside will not be permitted to jump up on or sharpen their claws on the furniture.

12. Stray cats will not be permitted to jump up on, or sharpen claws on the really good furniture.

13. Stray cats will be permitted on all furniture but must sharpen
their claws on the new $114.99 sisal-rope cat-scratching post with
three perches.

    It’s a humorous progression, but it reminds me of what happens
spiritually (which is not at all humorous).  We don’t want to sin, so
we establish boundaries.  “I’m not going to go here, look there, think
about that.”  But, before long, we’ve crossed the line.  We think,
“That’s all right.  I still haven’t done anything wrong.  I’ll just
re-establish my boundaries and not be quite so strict.”  And slowly but
surely, sin works its way further and further into our lives until we
find that we’re no longer in control of the situation.

    “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own
desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to
sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James
1:14-15)

    Father, far too often I have allowed sin to slowly work its
way into my life.  I didn’t want it to.  I didn’t mean for it to
happen.  But it did, and I’m sorry.  Please help me to keep my eyes
focused on you as I strive to keep it from happening again.  Give me
strength as I resolve not to allow impure thoughts and motives to find
a home in my heart.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee