The Prayer Link

Monday

“God reigns over the nations;

God sits on His holy throne.”

~Psalm 47:8~

From Sue Minor/Tucker

I am emailing to ask prayer for my Mom and my step-father (Ruby and Aubrey Stokes), both of them are in North Oaks Medical Center. They had a incident on Saturday morning where Mr. Aubrey started to fall and Mama tried to help him and they both ended up on the floor and couldn’t get up and were not found for several hours when my nephew went to check on them. Mr. Aubrey was taken to the hospital and admitted for tests but Mama refused to go, then my brother and sister came home from Houston and talked my Mom into going to the E. R. this morning and she was found to have pneumonia and admitted to the hospital (both of them have been sick this week and Mama was found to have bronchitus on Wednesday and now it has turned into pneumonia). So I would appreciate all of your prayers for them both. Thanks.

Pray for Mrs. JoAnn (Thomas) Carter. She will have surgery tomorrow at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Pray for Mrs. Faye Price as she is at Kentwood Manor for a while.

Orin Davidson is at home with Naomi Tolar again. Pray for her as she cares for her dad daily.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Annie Belle Harrell as she hopefully learns something helpful as a result of recent tests.

Mike and Kelly Graham Prescott have a new baby born Friday at Woman’s Hospital. Allie Mikel Prescott has a dislocated hip, but otherwise is fine. Pray for them as this problem is addressed.

My niece has a new baby that was born Friday at North Oaks. Ashlyn Jade Stuart was born to Josh and Casey Stuart. Ashlyn has a big brother Aaron. They are at home in Independence. Josh will resume duties as a Marine very soon.

Tickets are now available at the church office for The Power of the Cross which will be presented in two weeks. Contact the church office (229-8111) for more information.

Pray for others as they have various appointments scheduled today or in the coming week.

Jared Prescott

Ruby Dillon

Frank Erwin

Miranda M. Erwin

Grant Smith

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

I HAVE TO confess that initially this passage made me scratch my head…

Based upon what is recorded earlier in Matthew 3, John’s question to the Lord in Matthew 11 really didn’t make sense. It appeared, at least on the surface, as something of a biblical contradiction.

Chapter 3 says Jesus came to John for baptism (3:13). John objected at first, but Jesus convinced him otherwise and the immersion took place (3:16a). Scripture then records that the heavens opened up and the Spirit descended in the likeness of a dove. At that same moment, the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (3:16b-17; cf. Mark 1:10-11).

Whatever doubts John might have had about Jesus prior to this occasion, they must have been erased, for he was in the presence of the Godhead (Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9) and had incontrovertible evidence as to the identity of Jesus. And yet, when you get to chapter 11, John (now in prison) sends a rather puzzling question to the Lord. He asks (via a messenger), “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (11:3).

What?! Wait a minute! “Are You the Coming One…?!” How can Jesus not be the One?! John, have you somehow forgotten about what you saw and heard back at the baptism? Are you suffering from some type of self-induced amnesia? Has imprisonment clouded your mental faculties? Of course Jesus is the Coming One!

Evidently John, like many of his Jewish peers (Acts 1:6), held certain preconceptions about the Messiah. He was looking for a king like David of old. He was looking for a military figure who would overthrow the yoke of Roman tyranny and oppression. He was looking for a political entity who would restore the kingdom to its former glory.

From John’s skewed vantage point, Jesus didn’t exactly fit with his Messianic expectations. Instead of initiating zealous political rallies and instigating a coup against Caesar, the Lord humbly moved among the common people of His day, teaching them and healing their sick. Instead of courting the Jewish hierarchy, Jesus bumped elbows with the unsavory elements of society (9:10; 11:19; 21:32). Instead of delivering his cousin and forerunner (John 1:23, 30, 33-34) from incarceration, He–for some unknown reason–allowed him to languish in a first-century jail cell! John embraced the tradition view of the Messiah and couldn’t reconcile the Lord with his longstanding bias.

“Are You the Coming One…?” I hear doubt and confusion in John’s question, despite what he had seen and heard back in chapter 3 at Jesus’ baptism.

It occurs to me that John is not the only person who has ever looked at the Lord through the lens of prejudice and predisposition. Often times I hear statements to this effect, “Jesus NEVER called names. (He didn’t? John 8:42-47). “Jesus was NEVER blunt with folks.” (He wasn’t? Matthew 8:22; 15:16; 21-28; Mark 2:1-5; 9:14-32; Luke 17:11-19). “Jesus NEVER got angry.” (He didn’t? John 2:13-16; Luke 19:45-46; Mark 3:6). “Jesus NEVER taught baptism was necessary for salvation.” (He didn’t? Hebrews 1:1-2; Matthew Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:1-4; 1 Peter 3:21). Folks view the Lord in light of how they’ve been raised or what their “pastor” or parents have taught them, and not in harmony with what the Word actually says about Him. He’s a product of long-standing oral tradition and not the actual Coming One revealed in the Bible.

Dear reader, I urge you to carefully study what Scripture says about Jesus. Cast off the shackles of preconception and get to know (1 John 2:3, 4; 5:20; John 1:10; 14:7; Acts 13:27; Philippians 3:10) the real Messiah. What you want Him to be, what you expect Him to be, and what He IS may not be the same thing. (Mike Benson at: http://www.forthright.net/)

“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (11:3).

Have a marvelous Monday!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Love never gives up,

never loses faith,

is always hopeful,

and endures through every circumstance.”

~1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT~

Melissa McGuire

Please remember Melissa McGuire in your prayers. In the past five months she has lost three brothers. She had a brother to pass away yesterday afternoon.
God Bless,
Mary Ann Cutrer

Don Denton

As this weekend is coming to a close I find myself wondering what this next week will look like in terms of findings and conclusions from doctors in St. Louis at Barnes for Don. The truth is, it is scary for us. Especially with the kinds of specialist they want to bring in.

Joshua does not want to go to St. Louis and he loves it up there. He too does not want to see his daddy back in the hospital. Don has been in the hospital once a month since this new year began. It is hard to imagine that Don has been in the hospital off and on right at 110 days since September including this next week.

I don’t know what this week will bring. I know this, my hope has to be in what I can not see. Trusting and just resting is much easier said than done given our circumstances. This journey has been long and hard. And at the same time I have seen God’s hand at every turn. When we thought we were going to lose Don and the doctors only gave us that day….Don is still with us. When doctors at Mayo said they could not promise us what the outcome would be with Don responding….and he is still with us. When I did not think I could make one more day, I did. When I continued to make mistakes and stumble and sometimes just fall to pieces God was there, saying I love you.

I have seen God’s grace and mercy in a powerful way. Not because of my goodness, not because I have said and done all the right things. This is only been because of His Grace. Every time, I thought I was not going to be able to pay another bill, God has provided for us. I continue to be humbled and reminded that God has not left us. Just when I think….how on earth are we going to do this. God shows me how much he loves me.

So as this week unfolds, I don’t know what is going to happen. But I do know that God promises He will never leave us. I know that our Hope is in Him. I know that I can find Rest and Believe in Him, even when it feels so bad and the days seem long. And it feel like hope has taken flight.

WE have so very much to give praise and thanks for. Life and that is first life in Christ. And God’s great mercy and grace upon us.

And then you our family and friends who continue to walk with us, continue to lift us up before our Father. You who continue to come along side us and sacrifice your time and gifts and support to us in an amazing way. We are most grateful to God for you. I now see what it really means to be the church, to minister to those hurting deeply. You all have continued to bless us beyond what we could ever imagine. You have to know that God has used you to encourage us right when we thought we were losing hope and very discouraged.

Bless you our family and friends for your love that can only come from our Heavenly Father. How amazing and wonderful that we have been on the receiving end of your precious kindness toward us.

Please continue to pray for answers and healing. And pray for our little one, Joshua. He too is learning about God’s love toward him.

Bless you.

Diane

Touch

A MAN VISITED Tiffany’s jewelry store in New York City…

He was shown a magnificent diamond with its gleaming yellow light and many other splendid stones. But he observed one stone that was perfectly lusterless and said, “That has no beauty about it at all.”
The friend who was with him put the stone in the hollow of his hand and held it there for a few minutes. When he opened it, the man said, “What a surprise! There is not a place on it the size of a pinhead that does not gleam with the splendor of the rainbow. What did you do with it?”

His friend answered, “This is an opal. It is what we call the sympathetic jewel. It only needs contact with the human hand to bring out its wonderful beauty.”

How many lives there are that need only the warm touch of human sympathy to make them gleam with opalescent splendor.

Aquilla and Priscilla ran into Apollos, who needed to know the way of the Lord more perfectly. With love and kindness they touched him with the truth, and Apollos became a brilliant apologist for Christianity.

Saul of Tarsus was a much-feared persecutor of the church, but a friend named Barnabas (son of encouragement), stood at his side and defended him to the other Christians. As you know, Saul the persecutor became the apostle Paul, touched by a messenger Ananias and an encourager Barnabas.

A confused Eunuch rode along, not understanding what he was reading. What a blessing that the Spirit urged Philip to join the Eunuch’s chariot and to preach the gospel of Jesus to him. The confused man found answers and went on his way rejoicing.

The hopeless jailer, fearing the worst from the earthquake, thought to take his own life. But two beaten and imprisoned men, who knew the grace of God, cried out, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here!” They kept him from taking his life by giving him the Lord Jesus Christ. That very hour, the man who had no hope, found great joy in Jesus.

Do you know a downcast and discolored soul you may touch? The warmth of your love coupled with the truth of the gospel can turn a dull soul into one of the lights of the world, like a city set on a hill. (Phil Sanders at http://www.forthright.net/from_friend_to_friend/the_sympathetic_jewel.html)

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

KneEmail; Posted by Mike Benson

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love

will pursue me all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”

~Psalm 23:6 NLT~

WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?

It had been a hard winter in the Appalachian area. The snow had piled up deeper and deeper, the mercury dropped, rivers froze, people suffered. The Red Cross used helicopters to fly in supplies. One crew had been working day after day — long hours. They were on their way home late in the afternoon when they saw a little cabin submerged in the snow. There was a thin whisper of smoke coming from the chimney. The rescue team figured they were probably about out of food, fuel, perhaps medicine.

Because of the trees, they had to put the helicopter down a mile away. They put on heavy packs with emergency supplies, trudged through heavy snow, waist deep, reached the cabin exhausted, panting, perspiring. They pounded on the door. A thin, gaunt mountain woman opened the door and the lead man gasped, “We’re from the Red Cross.”

She was silent for a moment and then she said, “It’s been a hard winter, Sonny, I just don’t think we can give anything this year.”

I don’t think the story is true, but it certainly could be. I am convinced that there are two kinds of people — givers and takers. And even in dire times, those who are givers are always thinking about “What can I do for you?” rather than “What can you do for me?” Statistically speaking, the group which gives the greatest percentage of their money to charity every year is the group of people with the lowest income.

There may be several different reasons for that, but truth of the matter is (and this is true among Christians as well), the more we have, the greater is our tendency to hold tight to it. What a great example the Macedonians are to us:

“…in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” (2 Cor. 8:2).

Did you notice that? The group of Christians that Paul held up as an example of generous giving to those in need were themselves in “deep poverty”. Yet they gave so much that Paul was reluctant to receive the money, until they implored him “with much urgency” to take their gift.

I look at my own life and see that there are many times when I’m reluctant to give to others, not because it might affect providing for my needs, but because it might affect me having the things I want. Like everyone else, I’m tempted to look out for “number one” and I want to know what you can do for me. But, considering the example of Christ, Paul said:

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil.2:4)

“Father, please forgive me. Help me to develop a heart of selflessness and love for others that constantly seeks to find ways to bless those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Do something special on this day this is predicted to be beautiful!

Anna Lee

Friday

“This poor man cried out,

and the Lord heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.”

~Psalm 34:6a~

Robbie Lynn carefully made the trip to Kentwood to visit with family. Pray for her back to continue to improve.

All of Mr. Frank Erwin’s reports came out good. Pray for him as he returns to normal routine at home.

Miranda McDaniel Erwin is still waiting on test results. She injured her shoulder skiing Saturday in Canada.

Pray for Mrs. Faye Price as she continues to adjust to life at Kentwood Manor. Pray she will continue to improve. Pray for the family as they continue to assist in caring for her day after day.

Pray for Andy Taylor’s family. His daughter and his mother had surgery this week.

Don Denton Family

Well we are back from St. Louis. We arrived yesterday afternoon. And we are so very glad that we made the trip to St. Louis for the second opinion. The pediatric ENT sees broken noses all the time and she felt very strongly that Joshua did not need surgery. She was very reassuring with us as well.

WE are trying to get everything ready for our trip back to St. Louis. We will arrive Sunday evening and Don will be admitted to Barnes-Jewish Hospital at 8am on Monday morning. He will undergo further testing to determine possible cause of the dizziness. WE are most hopeful that the doctors will have answers for us. This IS the weekend that Don tapers down to 20mg of his steroids. He has relapsed twice since he has been ill. We are praying that he does not relapse this time as well. If he does relapse we feel we will be in a good place in St. Louis.

Dr.Klein in St. Louis feels that it will only take a few days. We will be home by weeks end. WE are asking for prayer specifically in that the doctor will be able to have answers for us. We are asking for prayer for the following:

Result that will help Don get better.
Wisdom for his doctors.
This short transition for Joshua will be less stressful for him. It will not be too much of a setback for Josh that his daddy is back in the hospital again.
God has provided for us through Anne and Frank Agovino opening their home up to us while we are in St. Louis. We continue to be humbled by God’s people. We give praise to God for all of God’s provision for us.
Our church this Sunday after services in having a “special time of prayer” for Don, Joshua and I. WE Believe we are going to find answers. We Believe Don is going to get better.
Don is showing so many signs of getting better already.

I will have my computer with me and I will give you all updates this week as we hear.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane

Alice O’Hern asks that we pray for Deana Cummings who has cancer. Alice met Deana by chance and was touched by her needs.

To learn about stink-free pigs and Jesus, please go to http://imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=6686&LanguageID=1709.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

I ALMOST CLEANED out my attic today…

It is such a mess. I’ve been putting it off until warmer weather. I almost started sorting out the stuff that needs to be thrown away from the stuff I need to keep. I almost moved it around to get some of it ready for a garage sale in the spring.

While I was almost cleaning out my attic, I thought about some of the people I have not talked to in a long time. I almost got out my address book to call them. But they may not be home or perhaps are busy. Maybe it would be better to write them a letter. So I almost wrote them a letter instead.

While I was almost cleaning out my attic and almost writing letters, I thought that there are several folks at church that are sick. I wondered if they would like some cookies or a cake, or maybe just someone to stop by and say “hello.” So I almost went to the kitchen to fix them something and I almost went to visit them. It made me feel so good inside to think about their faces smiling as I walked in their door with a plate of goodies. In fact, I almost smiled just thinking about it.

While I was almost doing those things, I looked out my window and saw a neighbor who does not go to church and needs the gospel. He seems like a really nice guy. I almost called him to invite him to go with me to church this weekend.

While I was almost doing those things, I almost sat down and read my Bible. I had to move it off the kitchen counter where it was sitting. As I carried it to the other room I almost just sat right down that minute to spend time in the word of God.

When I got to the church building the other day I noticed the weeds that have grown up during the cold weather months. We need to clean up so that others get a good impression when they come to worship. I almost called a couple of friends to see if they would like to spend a couple of hours cleaning up a little. It almost looks better already. Well, not really.

There are a lot of good things that we almost do in life. It does not matter what we plan, intend or almost do. What matters is what we actually do, not almost do.

King Agrippa was almost convinced to be a Christian (Acts 26:28). I wonder how many believers are almost faithful and will be almost saved?

The immortal words of Philip P. Bliss sing on: “Almost persuaded,” harvest is past! “Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last! “Almost” cannot avail; “Almost” is but to fail! Sad, sad, that bitter wail—“Almost,” but lost. (Tim Orbison)

Then Agrippa said to Paul,

“You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

~Acts 26:28~

Yesterday, I almost . . . .

Anna Lee

Thursday

“He has shaped each person in turn;

now he watches everything we do.”

~Psalm 33:15 MSG~

Daddy’s procedure went well yesterday. Thank-you for praying for him.

Baptist Press

March 18, 2009

WASHINGTON–U.S. endorses U.N. homosexuality declaration. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30090

WASHINGTON–Obama’s first judicial nominee once ruled against Christ’s name in prayers. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30091

WASHINGTON–Boxer urges U.S. to OK controversial kids treaty. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30092

ALABAMA–‘What if?’ focuses Pastors Conf. on Great Commission. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30093

ALABAMA–Seafarers & campers get youthful ministry. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30094

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Michael Foust): When discussing cloning, let’s be honest. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30095

Elva Mae Townsend Tycer
(July 21, 1922 – March 18, 2009)

Died at 8:10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at The Hospice House in Hammond. She was a native of Columbia, MS and a resident of Montpelier. Age 86 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009. Services conducted by Rev. Reggie Ogea. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. She is survived by her 3 sons, Arthur Ray Tycer, Meridianville, AL, James Herndon Tycer, Montpelier and Lindsay Townsend Tycer, Mechanicsville, VA; 3 sisters, Iva Lee Dunaway, Spartanburg, SC, Nell Lanier, Hammond and Dorothy Forshag, Hammond; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Tycer; parents, Carl and Mary Powell Townsend; 2 brothers, Shelby Ray Townsend and James Townsend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, 16013 Halbert Lane, Hammond, LA 70403.

Frederick Andrew Yarborough passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at St. Helena Nursing Home. He was born Dec. 18, 1924, to Joseph and Rebecca McKinney Yarborough. He is survived by sons, James and William Yarborough, of Greensburg; daughters, Jody Yarborough, of Hammond, Norma Travis, of Denham Springs, and Becky Richhart, of Mooresville, Ind.; brother, Roulan Yarborough, of Greenwell Springs; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Day’s Methodist Church, an alumni of LSU, a dairyman and former manager of Kentwood Dairy Co-op and Gulf Dairy Inc. He was also a proud Merchant Marine. Visitation at Day’s Methodist Church, Liverpool, on Sunday, March 22, from noon until memorial service at 2 p.m. Preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Wilkinson Yarborough; two sons, Ricky and Franklin Joseph Yarborough; parents, Joseph and Rebecca Yarborough; and sisters, Louise Batte and Marguerite Travis. Special thanks to Community Care Hospice and St. Helena Nursing Home staffs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, Community Care Hospice in Hammond or Day’s Cemetery Fund.
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KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

REMEMBER “LONESOME DOVE,” television’s blockbuster mini-series…?

It was the saga of two men, Woodrow Call and Gus McCray. Both strong. Stronger together. Men with rock solid commitments to each other. To be sure, both were stubborn eccentrics. They called each other into question regularly, but they never questioned the friendship. They knew, at the soul level, the one would gladly die for the other. They’d ride through any storm for each other. Come **** or high water. “Ah giv’ him mah word,” became the bottom line of the relationship. And a big chunk of America watched–fascinated, tainted perhaps with cynical disbelief, but touched with unspoken longing–as Woodrow Call dragged the body of Gus McCray three thousand miles to bury him “‘neath the pecan trees at the picnic place ’cause…Ah giv’ him mah word.” Period.

America may have questioned it. Jacob wouldn’t have. Seems to me I recall the old patriarch asking his son to swear he’d bury his bones back over the long miles to bury him at home “with my fathers.” And Joseph did it without flinching. Even though it took and act of Congress (okay, Pharaoh) to do it (see Genesis 47:29-31, 50:1-14). There’s something to it, isn’t there? There was something between two men who understood each other. And others stood around in awe, watching one man move a whole community, “a very great company,” just to fill out a relationship. Joseph might have been heard to declare in Western Hebrew, “Ah giv’ him mah word.” I find myself longing for that kind of commitment in a friendship. To give it and receive it. Don’t you? (Stu Webber)

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).

Enjoy a little sunshine provided by the Son.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.

As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey.”

~Psalm 119:33 LB~

Frank Smith

I received three updates on Frank Smith – one from his wife, one from his daughter, and one from a friend. All three said he was doing very well. I’ll post the one from his wife.

. . . . I apologize for not sending in an update on Frank yesterday. His surgery went amazing. The Dr. only had to remove one disc and replaced with bone fragment and a metal plate with screws. I brought him home at 4:00 p.m. Monday and he had a pain free night. His throat is a little sore but nothing to complain about. He did not have to have any pain meds through the night.
I went through 3 back surgeries with him and I can tell you medicine technology has come a long way in 15 years. Thank you all for the power of prayer, I am sure that is what brought him through so good and also the skilled hands of the surgeon.
We love all of you and thanks to all for the prayers.
Sue Smith

Grant Smith

My dad, Grant Smith, will have an outpatient procedure today in Hammond. Pray for him and the medical staff caring for him today.

Thank You For Life!

from Emily Panter by Emily Panter

I was privileged last week to celebrate another year that God has given me. It was a very special birthday, and I can’t help but think that I have learned to appreciate every single day He gives me to watch my children grow a little bit bigger and to see them figuring new things out. I am so grateful for every hug I am able to enjoy from them and from Luke, my tangible rock, who had to endure so much this past year. I hope we can all realize that each day we are given is a day that we remain useful for God’s kingdom. I hope that even on those ‘bad’ days we can all still appreciate that life is beautiful. He was so wonderful to give us so many pleasures in life. What a gift it is to experience it with our senses, our thoughts, our emotions, and our memories. Let me encourage you to give someone a hug today and tell them that you are glad that they are here, and that you have the joy of knowing them.

Baptist Press

March 17, 2009

WASHINGTON–Ban on embryo destruction funds renewed for time-being. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30083

GEORGIA–Ga. may pass nation’s 1st embryo adoption law. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30084

LOUISIANA–Patrick of Ireland: an evangelical hero. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30085

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: Mother of special needs child offers hope to others. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30087

TENNESSEE–Faith plays little role in Christian parenting. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30088

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Gene C. Fant Jr.): Why worldview matters. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30089

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Annie Armstrong

Annie Walker Armstrong was the first corresponding secretary of Woman’s Missionary Union. Born on July 11, 1850, in Baltimore, Maryland, to a prominent family active in Baptist life, Annie accompanied her mother to the missionary meetings of Woman’s Mission to Woman where she learned the importance of giving and praying for missions. Having a heart for home missions, Annie worked with Indians, immigrants, Blacks, and children. In 1882, Annie helped organize the Woman’s Baptist Home Mission Society of Maryland. She was this society’s first president.

Missions work among women’s groups had grown as an endeavor in other states as well. In conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention of 1888, women from 12 states met on May 14 in Richmond, Virginia and formed the Executive Committee of Woman’s Mission Societies, Auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. Annie Armstrong was elected corresponding secretary, a position equivalent to executive director today. In 1890 the name Woman’s Missionary Union was adopted. Annie Armstrong served as corresponding secretary until 1906 and always refused a salary for the work she did through WMU to further the gospel. In 1934 the offering that was collected annually for the Home Mission Board was renamed the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions. Annie Armstrong died on December 20, 1938, the year of WMU’s 50th anniversary.

WMU events that occurred during the tenure of Annie Armstrong:

1) WMU recommended that churches adopt a graded system of missionary education with organizations for all age levels, beginning with Baby Bands. (1899)
2) WMU began the process of legal incorporation. (1906)
3) WMU began publishing literature for sale. (1906)
4) The organization became officially named Woman’s Missionary Union, Auxiliary to Southern Baptist Convention. (1890)
5) WMU adopted Sunbeam work at the request of the Foreign Mission Board. (1896)
6) The motto “Go Forward” was chosen. (1888)

The SWAP Shop was one think I missed being about to support when the Hatchels where at NOBTS for the last stateside assignment. I’m thankful it is now open and look forward to being able to contribute to the needs of the seminary students again.

NOBTS S.W.A.P. Shop Reopens, Provides Boost for Seminarians

March 12, 2009

By:Gary D. Myers
Baptist Press

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary students and student families have a new place to “shop” on campus. Best of all, it is a place without price tags.

On Jan. 30, NOBTS President Chuck Kelley cut the ribbon on the seminary’s brand new S.W.A.P. (Surplus with a Purpose) Shop. The shop is designed to meet immediate needs for seminarians free of charge. Since 1989 the S.W.A.P. Shop has helped students outfit their apartments, clothe their families and make ends meet. The ministry relies entirely on donated items.

Hurricane Katrina forced the closure of the S.W.A.P. Shop. The shop’s original location, flooded by Katrina, was damaged beyond repair. Now the S.W.A.P. Shop is once again open ready to serve the seminary community.

Thanks in part to a generous hurricane recovery gift from the Georgia Baptist Convention, a new metal building was built at the rear of campus to house the S.W.A.P. Shop. And with the slumping economy, the reopening could not come at a better time.

“The S.W.A.P. Shop is one of my favorite things to reopen after Katrina,” Kelley said. “Georgia Baptists are the ones who made this possible. We want to dedicate this with the promise Paul gave us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the book of Philippians: ‘My God shall supply all of your needs out of His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’”

“Thank you for God’s pantry which is being opened once again for the needs of our seminary family,” he continued. “We thank Georgia Baptists. We are celebrating God’s faithfulness to the NOBTS family.”

Filled with gently worn children’s clothes, men’s suits, toys, dishes, books and small appliances, the S.W.A.P. Shop provides a vital link between Southern Baptist churches and the seminary family. Churches and individual church members have long helped students meet their basic needs by donating quality used items.

“The S.W.A.P. Shop is an exciting ministry that provides for the practical, day-to-day needs of our campus family, and our students have been waiting expectantly for its reopening,” said NOBTS Dean of Students Craig Garrett. “ Through the generosity of the Georgia Baptist Convention, which funded the building, and the countless donors of everyday items, our students are now able to give and receive the sorts of things that make a difference in their quality of life.”

“I’ve heard countless stories of God’s provision through the S.W.A.P. Shop in the past, and I look forward to witnessing many more to come,” he said.

The metal building took six months to complete and offers 1200 square feet of space.

Kelley closed the ceremony with a prayer of blessing. He also prayed for those who will donate items to the S.W.A.P. Shop and for the students who will benefit from the gifts.

ARE YOU STARTING TO FORGET?

There’s a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn’t wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn’t wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn’t want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented. The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister’s crib and said: “Tell me about God – I’m starting to forget.”

There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the “rat race” and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, “Tell me about God — I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors’ appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord’s Supper to see God’s love and grace because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are days when we’re so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because “I’m starting to forget.”

“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank-you for praying. You make a difference!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me.”

~Psalm 34:4a~

Mrs. Faye Price was scheduled to be moved to Kentwood Manor from rehabilitation in Covington. I don’t know if this happened as scheduled. Continue to pray for “Miss” Faye and her family. It’s been a long time since December 3 when she had surgery.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon got a good report. Join her and her family in thanking God for this good news.

Ronald Putman continues to do well at home. He still has a ways to go, so keep praying.

Carl Wayne Stevens was being moved from Jackson to a long term care facility in Hattisburg. Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Pray for Frank Smith. He was to have had back surgery in Alabama. I didn’t get an update yet, but will share one when it is received.

Joshua Denton saw specialists yesterday.

Diane called me this afternoon to tell me good news! Joshua was seen by two pediatric ENT doctors in St. Louis who both agreed that he does NOT need surgery! The three of them are elated and are celebrating this good news tonight. They did not have their computer with them but wanted people to know this good news as soon as possible so I am updating their site.

Thank you for all of your prayers on their behalf. Good news is truly good medicine.

Arwen Gustafson (a friend from Rochester, MN)

June Carline Holden
(June 17, 1950 – March 15, 2009)

June Carline Holden

Celebrating the Homegoing of June Carline Holden

June C. Holden was born on June 17, 1950 in Independence, LA. Died at 4:27PM on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at Earl K. Long Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was a resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 58 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Wednesday and until religious services at 2:00PM Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Bruck McKenzie. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite, LA. Se leaves behind her mother and step-father, Helen and Danny Ebarb, Greensburg, her life-long partner, James Cormier, Greensburg, 3 sons, Thomas Holden, Greenbrier, AR, Daryl Holden, Amite, and Randall Raybourn, Addis, 3 sisters, Betty Hagan, Greensburg, Louise Brown, Amite and Nancy Cox, Loranger, 3 brothers, Raymond Holden, Loranger, Larry Holden, Arcola, and Edward Holden, Easleyville, 2 stepsisters and 2 step-brothers, 4 grandchildren, Brandon Holden, Ronney Williams, Jayden Holden, and Sarai Holden along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Holden, maternal grandparents, Joseph and Vernie Premo, paternal grandparents, Calvin and Maudie Holden, and her great-grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. M. D. Pittman. She was loved by all and gave her all to everyone. The family would like to thank the hospital and it’s staff for their care. We would also like to thank all of our friends and everyone else for their prayers and concern. Thank You! Sincerely, The Holden Family.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

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.

THOUGHT:

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).

Enjoy the sunshine and the Son today!

Anna Lee

Monday

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

This is the first and greatest commandment.”

~Matthew 22:37-38 NIV~

Frank Smith

. . . . He will be having neck surgery March 16th at Brookwood Hospital here in Birmingham, Al. He will have 2 disc removed and a steel plate inserted. Hopefully everything will go okay for him. . . .

Sue

Miranda Erwin injured her rotator cup skiing Saturday. Pray for her as she has this evaluated today.

Mr. Frank Erwin in hospitialized at North Oaks. Pray for him as he undergoes testing to determine the exact problem.

Robbie Lynn C. Kirby is home, but experiencing lots ot pain. Pray the pain level lessens today and the extensive back surgery will have a positive result.

Shirley Bates Rushing
(September 29, 1947 – March 14, 2009)

Died on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, LA. She was a native of Kentwood, LA and a resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 61 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Heath Rohner. Survived by husband, Terry L. Rushing, Greensburg, daughter, Gail Housley and her husband, Kenny, Walker, son, Wayne Rushing, Greensburg, 3 grandchildren, Kevin Housley, Dustin and Rayleigh Rushing, 4 sisters, Barbara Hall, Amite, Sylvia Stielper, Baltimore, MD, Avis Carmical, Jackson, MS, and Willie Bell Strickland, Osyka, MS, 3 brothers, Donald Ray Bates, Kentwood, Hugh Bates, Kentwood, and Arthur “Odessa” Bates, Jackson, MS. Preceded in death by parents, Willie and Bertha Bates, brother, Howard Lee Bates, Father-in-law and mother-in-law, C. E. And Ruth Rushing, brother-in-law, Ricky Keith, sister-in-law, JoAnn Whitfield, and nephew, Patrick Bates.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Annie Armstrong was the Corresponding Secretary of the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) from its establishment in 1888 until 1906. Her letters to Sunday School Board Corresponding Secretaries J.M. Frost and T.P. Bell reveal close cooperation between the Sunday School Board and the WMU as well as close personal relationships between the correspondents. At a time when many Southern Baptists opposed the existence of the Sunday School Board, Armstrong’s keen sense of both public relations and business matters proved valuable in the campaign to establish legitimacy and support for the new Board. Despite the fact that female leaders of the WMU were not paid for their work during this period, it is clear that Armstong’s leadership position was a full-time career in which she exercised significant influence over male leaders of the various Boards of the Convention. The official status of the WMU was as an auxiliary to the Foreign Mission, Home Mission, and Sunday School Boards, but the significant fundraising conducted by Southern Baptist women, along with the bureaucratic talents of Annie Armstrong, gave the WMU a level of power in the Convention that went beyond its status as an officially subordinate auxiliary. Interestingly, Armstrong alternately accepted and challenged the limited social roles of Victorian womanhood. She was willing to remain behind the scenes in the workings of the Convention, as exemplified by requests in her letters that the author of her tactical suggestions remain anonymous. On the other hand, Armstrong was willing to challenge the bounds of the “woman’s sphere” not for the sake of social equality but for greater efficacy in the mission work that was her passion.

Deacons for the Week at FBC, Kentwood

Smiley Conerly

Roy Turner

There will be a share group meeting Thursday night at 6:30 at the Alford cabin. Feel free to join us for food, fellowship, and a devotional.

IN ONE ACCORD

The following bit of humor comes from Roy Rivenburg:

“Most people assume WWJD stands for ‘What would Jesus do?’ But according to Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, the initials are shorthand for ‘What would Jesus drive?’

“For centuries, theologians have squabbled over the type of transportation the Lord would use: Public transit or private car? Stick shift or automatic? A sport-utility vehicle roomy enough for all 12 apostles or an economy model?

“One of Ostler’s readers theorized that Jesus would tool around in an old Plymouth because the Bible says God drove Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden in a Fury.

“But our research department found several other scenarios. In Psalm 83, for example, the Almighty clearly owns a Pontiac and a Geo. The passage urges the Lord to ‘pursue your enemies with your Tempest and terrify them with your Storm.’ (We’re not sure how a Geo Storm could be considered terrifying, unless it had those scary shooting flames painted on the sides.)

“Another scripture indicates that Yahweh favored Dodge pickup trucks. Moses’ followers are warned not to go up a mountain until ‘the Ram’s horn sounds a long blast.’

“Some scholars insist that Jesus drove a Honda, but didn’t like to talk about it. As proof, they cite a verse in John’s gospel where Christ tells a crowd, ‘For I did not speak of my own Accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say.’ However, there is debate over whether the vehicle had bumper stickers such as ‘Save the Humans,’
‘My other car is a flaming chariot’ or ‘Honk if you love me.’

“Ostler has uncovered several other religious theories: [One of them is that] Moses rode an old British motorcycle, as evidenced by a Bible passage declaring that ‘the roar of Moses’ Triumph is heard in the hills.’ ”

Someone else has suggested the apostles following Jesus’ lead and carpooled in a Honda because Acts records that “the apostles were in one Accord”.

Rivenburg’s article is intended only to make you chuckle. But allow me to think with you seriously about the fact that “the apostles were in one accord.” The phrase “one accord” appears 12 times in the book of Acts. Most of those passages refer to the unity of the early Christians. There was a harmony that existed in the early church, the result of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. We all know the value of such unity. As David said long ago, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). But seldom do we know the reality of that unity.

One thing I have noticed over the years is that unity is often the result of great adversity. We all saw it vividly in this country on a grand scale on September 11, 2001. A nation divided quickly became a nation united. Petty squabbles were set aside and the people of the United States stood hand in hand — “one nation under God.”

I’ve seen the same things happen in families, and in churches. Sadly, sometimes it takes a disaster to help us to put things into perspective, to help us to realize that the insignificant things which we tend to argue about are not nearly as important as the things which bind us together. Wouldn’t it be great if we could come to that realization without having to go through disastrous times?

May you all seek to “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Phil 2:2)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Enjoy the rain the Lord has provided to wash away some of the pollen.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love

will pursue me all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the LORD

forever.”

~Psalm 23:6 NLT~

Mrs. Ora Lee Wilson continues to improve as she recovers from her heart procedure. Thank God for the progress she has made so far.

Carl Wayne Stevens has been moved to a room. Pray for him, his family, and the medical staff as they address new issues.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon does not have a biopsy report yet, Pray for her as she has an appointment Monday.

Annie Armstrong (and Lottie Moon) have Facebook pages. The NAMB (and IMB) have found a way to use technology these ladies never dreamed of to connect them to the present world. If you belong to FB, you may be interested in inviting these ladies to be your friends.

Melinda Ballow

A native of Amite and a resident of Denham Springs, she passed away at 8:50 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2009, at Our Lady of The Lake Regional Medical center in Baton Rouge. She was 44. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, on Monday, March 16, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at Victory Temple Church, Greensburg, on Tuesday, March 17, from 10 a.m. until funeral services at noon, conducted by the Rev. A.W. O’quinn. Burial in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. She is survived by her husband, Edwin Ballow; mother, Marjorie Criswell; daughters, Stacy Bertelsen and husband Robert Thompson II, and Tiffany Johnson; sons, Alex Allan Bertelsen and Edwin Dewayne Ballow; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Melissa Hagan; grandchildren, Hayden Reed Thompson, Gage Rylee Thompson, Madison Noel Bertelsen, Kayleigh Nicole Johnson, Destiny Atkins and Cason Atkins; best friend for 40 years, Becky Dionora; friend, Donna Halphen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray and Nancy Gibson. She was preceded in death by her father, Nathaniel Travis Hagan.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

PEOPLE USED TO travel between the UP (Upper Peninsula) and LP (Lower Peninsula) of Michigan by ferry until they built a bridge along the Straits of Mackinac…

In 1934, the Michigan Legislature created the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority to study the feasibility of the bridge and authorized it to sell bonds for the project. Preliminary plans for the bridge featured a three-lane roadway, a railroad crossing on the under deck of the span, and a center-anchorage double-suspension bridge configuration similar to the design of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. From 1939 to 1941, a cause-way of approximately 4,000 feet in length was constructed with concrete road fragments extending from the northern shore. With uncertainty in funding and the initiation of World War II, further building was delayed. In 1950, engineers resumed construction and the state legislature authorized the sale of $85 million in construction bonds on April 30, 1952.

David B. Steinman was appointed the design engineer in January 1953, and the American Bridge Division of United States Steel Corporation was awarded a contract of over $44 million to build the steel superstructure. On November 1, 1957, after two-and-a-half years of construction and the loss of five lives, the bridge finally opened to traffic. It was officially dedicated on June 25, 1958. The bridge is approximately five miles long, the third longest in the United States. Forty years after the dedication, the 100-millionth crossing was celebrated.

Most of us probably look at the construction of this bridge as a feat of modern engineering. True enough, it is. But behind the construction was the need: the need to connect two cultures and two land masses, to expand and improve economic prosperity by bringing people together.

Did the bridge spring up immediately? No.

How did it start? With a vision, a picture in the minds of visionaries of what it might resemble and how it might change the lives of all affected by its construction. When it became clear that ferries were too expensive and too inefficient to accomplish the goals of connecting the two sides, the bridge came to the forefront of everyone’s mind. The old ways of transportation just were not working. Something new had to be put into place.

What it cheap? No.

Was it easy to build? No.

Were human lives put in danger? Yes.

Was it worth the cost, the hardship, the lives lost, the requirements of years of work and commitment to make this bridge happen? For most people connected with the bridge, the answer was an overwhelming yes.

Like suspension bridges built across bodies of water, it takes time, money and risk for bridges of healing to be built between estranged people. Many may feel that the cost is too high to achieve the bridge. It might cost me time or pride. I might have to say I’m sorry. What if the person to whom I am trying to direct my bride laughs at me, scorns me or refuses my overture–or worse yet, just plain ignores me?

Jesus said that we must count the cost of discipleship (cf. Luke 14:28). Building bridges that result in restored relationships is probably one of the most important costs of being a disciple of Jesus. Christ taught that reconciled relationships are more important to God than any offering we could bring before Him.

Why? Because for God, how we treat others is synonymous with how we treat Him (cf. 1 John 4:20). (H. Norman Wright, Larry Renetzky)

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar,

and there remember that your brother

has something against you,

leave your gift there before the altar,

and go your way.

First be reconciled to your brother,

and then come and offer your gift.”

~Matthew 5:23-24~

May this Lord’s Day bring blessings in your life. May you also be a blessing to others today.

I leave you with this thought – Be a “bridge builder”.

Anna Lee

Saturday Update

I wanted to share this good news concerning Roger Tate shared by a daughter-in-law right away:

Thank you for praying for Mr. Roger. The test Thursday to determine if the mass was a cyst or tumor revealed it was a cyst- what great news!!! At this point, the doctor is going to watch it.