Friday Addition

Mr. Cete Dillon is better after a round with asthma this week.  Pray he continues to improve.

Message from Dwayne Wilson

Today, we´ll be going to 4 different schools here in El Salvador!

Messages from his team in El Salvador

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Today was an exhausting but rewarding day.  The many miles of driving; the early alarms to catch the van by 7:00; the many encounters we have with the children; and just the drain of being in a foreign country and struggling with a foreign language are seen in the bodies of all of us.  But there is much joy in our faces because of the work that Jesus Christ is doing in El Salvador.  The team was on the bus at 7:00 AM for the second straight day and headed out for a full day of ministry.  Our destination was the area of Sonsonate, about an hour southwest of San Salvador.

Our host for the day was Pastor Guillermo and his wife, Mayra (My-ruh).  Pastor Guillermo has a fantastic testimony.  Ten years ago, Jesus Christ pulled him out of the drug trade through the prayers of another pastor.  Guillermo arrived at the home of this pastor with the intention to kill his son.  The pastor confronted Guillermo with a Bible and said to him, “Are you Guillermo?  I have been praying for you!  You did not come here tonight to kill anyone.  You came here because God has a message for you.”  Guillermo did not kill the man’s son and the pastor invited Guillermo to a lunch with business men, where he heard the good news of Jesus Christ.  That night he went home and flushed all of his drugs down the toilet and stopped using drugs.  He has not used any drugs since that night.

That was over 10 years ago.  Today, Pastor Guillermo and his wife minister at their church and work with the schools and the poor in Sonsonate.  The have four children and the older three are youth and Sunday School leaders in their church.  Pastor Corleto supports his family as a business owner.  He owns an auto mechanic business, a car sales business, and a car wash.  God has blessed Pastor Guillermo with leadership, not only in Sonsonate, but all of El Salvador.  He is the vice-president of the inter-denominational council of pastors for El Salvador, with over 5,000 members.

The first school the team visited was Centro Escolar La Coquera.  After two days, the drama team is working well together and the children are very attentive.  One drama is humorous and all of the children are laughing throughout.  The second drama is much more intense and tells a powerful message of redemption.  The older children grasp the message and the younger children are still enthralled with the story.  It is amazing to see the children’s faces as the drama unfolds.  After the drama, the message is clearly explained so that everyone can understand.

The teachers at all of the schools sacrifice so much.  There are precious few supplies and the classrooms are hot and sometimes crowded.  The kindergarten teacher at Centro Escolar La Coquera is Dina Luz Monge Ramirez.  “Lucy” has been teaching for only one year.  She said she started teaching after staying home to raise her children.  Her son is a first grader at the same school.  “Lucy” said her greatest joy in teaching kindergarteners is when they comprehend the lesson and she can see they are really learning.  “Lucy” was very helpful to our team when we shared the gospel story through the gospel bead bracelets.  We need to pray for “Lucy” and all of the teachers in El Salvador.  Like many teachers everywhere, they teach because they love the children.  Even more so in El Salvador where the conditions and supplies are challenging.  Praise God for these believers, like “Lucy”,  who give so much for His children.

Wed 1 Jul 2009

Today was our second full day of travel in El Salvador and we got up extra early this morning (6 a.m. instead of 7) because the school we went to was only in session during the morning hours. On the bus ride, we enjoyed one of our daily devotionals from Leslie, who talked about how we need to humble ourselves as a team and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, to work through us.

We arrived at the Bonanza school (grades 1-6) around 8 a.m., where we were greeted warmly by the children peering out of their classrooms to see what all the excitement was about. Once we arrived, we performed a couple of skits, shared a little bit about our lives in America, and Jaye did a little magic show (probably the most popular amongst the younger kids). Afterwards, we broke up into 4 different classrooms (in our small groups) where we played some more games (my group in particular did an egg-race). When it came time for us to share our pictures which help tell our spiritual paths) and the gospel-bead bracelets, the kids were really responsive. A couple of girls, named Katya and Maria, gave me hugs; and it made me feel that I really do have a purpose here and God has put us here for a reason: and this is it! The principal told us that since they have no one at home to love them and care for them, they are so grateful we came along and showed them compassion and kindness: the things that they are missing in their lives.

After we were finished at the school, we went to the local mall, around 5 minutes from Hotel Siesta. There, we played a scavenger hunt game, where each small group had a list of tasks to complete in 2 hours: ranging from buying a candle, to seeing how many people each group could share the gospel bead bracelet. I believe that we were able to minister to more than 50 people at the mall, which was nice since they stopped what they were doing to listen what we had to say about God’s love for them.

Lastly, in the evening, we traveled to a homeless shelter where we served for a couple hours. There, Tim presented the gospel bead bracelet and Howard said a prayer to bless them and let them know that there is someone who loves them and desires to become part of their lives. It was really moving to see the way that so many people wanted God to lift the burden of their sins away: there were even people gathering outside to listen to what we had to say.

Mon 29 Jun 2009

This morning the GAiN El Salvador 09 team travelled 2 hours by bus to visit a public school in San Jose El Naranjo.  In this school we split into groups and shared our testimonies and the Gospel using the Gospel Bead Bracelets.  We also did skits, magic and balloon animals and face painting for the kids. Numerous children raised their hands indicating they had invited Jesus Christ into their lives. The team  travelled 45 minutes to reach our afternoon assignment, Quebracho school. The school staff graciously provided lunch for us. We repeated our program for the students, grades K-9.

Many of the roads we travelled we’re unpaved and the going was slow. But after a hard, hot day’s work we had some r & r time down a scenic route to our dinner on the coast.  After dinner the team invested time in concerted prayer for the students and school staff we have visited so far, the those we will visit tomorrow.  We also prayed for the team to work at the Holy Sprit’s direction and by His guidance, and for God’s work in the hearts of the children preparing them to hear the Gospel.

Sun 28 Jun 2009

Today we started off like a shot!  The first day of ministry was spent serving at  a local church. When we arrived  we split into 3 groups.  The first group was involved with the adult in the worship service, the second  group spent time working in the Sunday school, and the third group went into the neighborhood inviting  neighbors and kids to a small program put on by our team so they could learn more about the local church and God.  Today was a wonderful day where we experienced the hospitality of our host country and got to worship with our El Salvadorian brethren.

Friday

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God,

and you will find Him

if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

~Deuteronomy 4:29~

Dukes

Not a whole lot of new news to share today. However, my mother-in-l

aw shared a video with my wife and me that really touched me and was very encouraging. I posted it on my blog.  (http://jasoncdukes.wordpress.com/)  (Get the tissues ready!  Anna Lee)

We will post at you again tomorrow. Keep praying that the neuro-surgeons will communicate with one another and schedule Mom’s surgery to replace the cranium piece. Please keep praying for Dad’s pain, too.

We couldn’t imagine walking through this without all of you.
-jason

Pray for the Canada Mission team as they travel home today.  They will share their experiences Sunday night at 6 P.M.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer Requests

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them,

because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,”

Luke 18:16b

She’s forced to do rituals C lives in Cambodia and is one of the Khmer (kuh-MER) people. Her dad wants her to follow the special rituals of their traditional religion. He isn’t a believer in Jesus Christ and tells C things that confuse her.   C says, “The religion of my father is familiar to me because everyone has been doing the rituals for years. That is what we are used to. I know believers of the Son (Jesus) don’t give incense or spend money to do religious ceremonies. So what DO they do? I believe in the Son. I just don’t understand it all. My father forces me to do the rituals. He threatens that if I don’t follow them, I will have more problems. Inside I don’t feel it is right, but I do it anyway just to please my father.”   It is really hard for C. She wants to obey God and she wants to obey her father. Many Khmer believers face the same problem C faces. Pray for them to be strong in their faith. Pray for C that her father will become a Christian and pray that she will become confident in her faith.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please help my grandma. Thank you. HEATHER, age 6 (East Asian peoples)

Pray I’ll have strength in my walk with Christ as I go to school in an environment that is really sinful and worldly. Pray that the Bible studies that we have will grow and continue to work with Christ.  KAYLA, age 15 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

Pray for my friend Terron in San Francisco—he just became a Christian but doesn’t want to become baptised. Please pray for him. RICKIE, age 9 (Southeast Asian peoples)

Please pray for people in my school that they will stop saying bad words. Also please pray for the Malagasy people. They believe in ghosts and spirits and that their ancestors live still. CALEB, age 11 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

Pray for my friend S and her family, and all the Japanese people, and my grandma and cousin to get better! Please and thank you. HANNAH, age 11 (East Asian peoples)

Baptist Press

July 2, 2009

TENNESSEE–At 84, U.S.S. Indy survivor attests to God’s grace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30825

SOUTH KOREA–PTSD: NAMB chaplains gain biblical training. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30826

FLORIDA–337 baptized at FBC Orlando. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30827

TENNESSEE–CULTURE DIGEST: Benefits of alcohol still debated. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30828

WASHINGTON–India blocks religious freedom watchdog group. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30829

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Chris Plekenpol): Unwanted fireworks on the Fourth. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30830

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Sara Horn): Pray for our military this summer. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30831

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): Examining celebrity worship. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30832

James Edward Harrell
(October 6, 1928 – July 2, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Died at 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood. He was a native of Poplarville, MS and a resident of Kentwood. Age 80 years. Mr. Harrell is a graduate of Gulf Coast Military Academy and Southeastern Louisiana University and is a U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Kentwood Rotary Club, American Legion, and V.F.W. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. Survived by sister-in-law, Norma Harrell, Kentwood, nephews & nieces, William C. “Bill” Harrell, Hazlehurst, MS, John Hove, Westby, MT, Kathy Hove Wankel, Miles City, MT, Becky Hove Sweat, Broadus, MT, Benjamin C. “Ben” Harrell, III, Ponchatoula, Bruce Harrell, Kentwood, Ronnie Harrell, South Pasadena, CA, numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Claiborne Harrell, Sr. and Lillie Cuevas Harrell, 2 brothers, Hollis Harrell and Claiborne Harrell, Jr., 2 sisters, Lillie Mae McGlathery and Bonnie Jean Hove, nephew, John Bruce Harrell.

Velton Henly Reid
(December 13, 1928 – July 1, 2009)

Velton Henly Reid

U.S. Veteran Died at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at his residence in Folsom, LA. He was a native of Uneedus, LA Age 80 years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and a retired Civil Technician with the U. S. Army Corps. of Engineers with 30 years of service. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Ronnie Douglas and Rev. Elester Raines. Interment Reed-Raines Memorial Garden, Uneedus, LA. He is survived by his wife, Ella Ruth Wood Reid, Folsom; daughter, Linda Thompson, Slidell; 2 grandchildren, Terry Thompson, Waskom, TX and Stacey Cochran, Bentonville, Ark; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Lillian Morse, Folsom and Bonnie Husser, Folsom; numerous nephews and nieces including special nephews and nieces, Lonnie Morse, Loranger, Karl Morse, Folsom, Eric Velton “Pete” Morse, Loranger, Mary Ellen “Gennie” Hernandez, Folsom and Mary Ann Phares, Loranger; special great-nephews who were thought of as grandchildren, Jared Morse, Jourdan Morse and Jathan Morse, all of Loranger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ellen Reid and Ellis Reid, Sr.; sister, Bessie Berry; brother, Ellis “Jiggs” Reid, Jr.

KneEmail

Poor

poverty3.jpgONE DAY, THE father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live…
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

“It was great, Dad.”

“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.

“Oh yeah,” said the son.

“So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.

The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”

The boy’s father was speechless.

Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”

Yet He sets the poor on high,

far from affliction,

and makes their families like a flock.”

~Psalm 107:41~

Posted by Mike Benson at July 2, 2009 2:25 PM

God bless America!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;

establish the work of our hands for us—

yes, establish the work of our hands.”

~Psalm 90:17 NIV~

The East Fork youth made it home from Student Life camp dispite a blowout and having to buy a new tire.  They had a very meaning week.

Canada Mission Trip (FBC) – Reported by Don S.

Another day in Canada working with the kids in Cayley Alberta, Today was Canada day we had bible school in the AM and then off sightseeing WOW!! this place is great!

Pray for the team today as they have their last day in Canada and as they travel home tomorrow.

Dwayne and Trisha’s report on their mission trip

Hi from El Salvador! We´ve shared the gospel at 6 different schools and served at a homeless shelter in San Salvador. Tomorrow, we go into the community to install water filters.

Steve Sanders is home, but will have to schedule surgery for later.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Pray for Mrs. Nadine Council as she prepares for hip surgery on the 13th and Mrs. Wanzie Williams and Mrs. Faye Price as they continue physical therapy.

Mr. I.W. Simmons has been in North Oaks.  Please keep him and the family in your prayers.

Continue to pray for Mr. Orin Davidson and the Tolars as they care for him.

Be Angry and Sin Not.

Jesus taught us a little about anger and how to deal with it. He seemed to say that anger can sometimes be a useful thing, but we are not to let Satan use it as a toehold to get us off on the wrong track.

I must confess that I have had to deal with anger relatively often in recent months. Fortunately

, I have been able to get into my right mind and move on from it quickly. I realize that anger, even acted on, would not change our situation, but there is a strong temptation to try.

My pain, which on some days accumulates to such a degree that I think I cannot stand it, sometimes just makes me angry. However, when I am able to think through it, I realize that my pain does not even come close to measuring up to what Retia is going through. I confess that when I sit in the hospital room and watch her as she is right now in the struggles she is going through and compare that to what she was, my anger burns furiously.

Sometimes the anger is directed at the person who was driving and should not have been. Sometimes it is directed at the alleged law officer who failed so miserably in her duties. And yes, sometimes it is directed at God.

Now, I have been a follower of Christ since 1949. More than that, I have been associated with the church. and the teachings of Christ even longer, so I know that God does not deserve my anger. But do you know what I have learned (by experience)? That God is strong enough to tolerate my anger and still love me.

Like a loving human parent, I have learned that God is able to listen to the rantings of his children and the questions about things that happen and the intervention that does not always come, and yet he is able to continue to be God with all the love and mercy and grace that he has always revealed to us. He is not changed by our anger. He is still love.

I can almost hear him say audibly, “Hey, I understand your disappointment and hurt and anger. But I still love you.” He also reminds me, as he did the psalmist, that in spite of my perceptions of the wrong choices of others whose consequences I suffer, my wrong choices, or even the perceived inaction from him, he will walk with me through the storm and will work good out of horrible circumstances.

So I must confess to him that he is not safe, but he is able to keep me secure. I must confess to him that what bothers me so much is that the love of my life is suffering way too much and I do not believe it is her fault. That makes me mad. The people whose fault it seems to be are going on as usual. Then he reminds me that however much I love her, he loves her even more. He made her and he can take care of her whatever the problem is. So, forgive me for the anger and help me to see through your eyes.

So now you know why I say to Jason don’t try to make me feel better in my misery. Just let me stew for a while.

We had another meeting with the Drs, nurses, and therapists today. The prognosis is that the trends are good, but that does not mean everything will be OK. We just don’t know that yet. We are still hoping and praying for that end, but in the light of what we have learned about God, we are growing into a position where we will see things as he sees them and love her as he loves her whatever the circumstances (even as he does for us all).

Pray for Retia as she struggles with therapy. Pray for the healing of this pernicious bedsore. Pray for her comfort as she struggles to deal with the everyday pain and suffering.

Thanks for standing by us.
-jimmy

THE WAR IS OVER

The story is told about a man in Amsterdam who, not so long ago, was feeling guilty about something he had done, so he went and talked to his preacher.

He said, “I feel terrible because I’ve sinned.  During World War II I hid a refugee in my attic.”

The preacher said, “I don’t believe that’s a sin at all.  I wouldn’t feel bad about that if I were you.”

“But I made him agree to pay me 20 Gulden for every week he stayed.”

The preacher said,  “Well, I admit that wasn’t the most noble thing to do, but you did it for a good cause, so I still wouldn’t worry about it.”

The man said, “Oh thank you, that eases my mind.  I have only one more question to ask you —  Do I have to tell him the war is over?”

We as Christians are engaged in a spiritual warfare — it’s Christianity vs. the world, the forces of good vs. the forces of evil.
And it’s easy to get the idea (especially if you watch the news) that God’s side is losing, and immorality is winning out!

John wrote the book of Revelation for Christians who must have been feeling the same way.  After all, Rome certainly seemed to have the upper hand.  Christians were losing!  But, in reality, the war is over, and we know who wins!

John, looking ahead, writes, “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14)

There are battles around us daily, and sometimes Satan does indeed seem to be winning, but looking ahead, the war is over and we know that those who are on God’s side will be victorious!  Keep that in mind today when you feel like you’re fighting a losing battle!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I think the devotional may had helped some of us clean us an issue in our hearts.  Just what we needed!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Each of you should go on living according to the Lord’s gift to you,

and as you were when God called you.

This is the rule I teach in all the churches.”

~1 Corinthians 7:17 TEV~

From Bill Frazier

Dean Burnett will be having major heart sergery monday 6 Jul at childrens hospital

“Call 2 Fall”

http://www.baptistmessage.com/articledetail.php?articleID=dfff85b8f919eef30a7d1afeebb00fbb

Baptist Press

June 30, 2009

KENTUCKY–Churchill Downs chaplain sees faith blossom. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30802

WASHINGTON–Obama chides ‘old attitudes’ about homosexuality. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30803

KENTUCKY–Korean Baptists reach goal 1 year early. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30804

KENTUCKY–NAMB honors top Annie-giving churches. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30805

OHIO–Kay Kwok: ‘Living life as an act of worship.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30806

CALIFORNIA–Urban missions leader Francis DuBose dies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30807

KENTUCKY–‘Idol’ concert among SBC family events. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30808

KENTUCKY–Mohler receives Union’s Dodd Award. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30809

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Eternal life on death row. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30810

KneEmail

Friend

Abmark.jpgMARK WELLMAN GAINED national attention in the summer of 1989 by climbing the sheer face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park…

The face that Mark climed is not the remarkable part, but the fact that he did so being a paraplegic. Mark climbed for seven days with the help of his close friend, Mike Corbett. Mike would hold while Mark would pull himself up the granite face.

These two men shared a depth of friendship that is hard to find in our world today.

“As iron sharpens iron,

so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

Proverbs 27:17


Posted by Mike Benson at June 30, 2009 1:13 PM

Thank you for praying each day.  You make a difference in many lives!  Please feel free to send any praises, requests, or updates you wish to share here.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Don’s Update  – On Mission in Canada

Another day of bible school here in Alberta Canada and today we had 23 kids so we doubled the number from Monday, thanks for the prayers. Tomorrow is Canada Day up here kind of like our 4th of July. Keep us in your prayers, weather today was overcast and upper 60s. Mr Gopher dug out his hole again and I filled them in again.

Tuesday

Charles Slade was bitten by a snake and is in Lallie Kemp.  Please be in prayer for him.  Also, Ruby Slade is in North Oaks.

Dukes

< positivity vs. reality. >
I ask it a lot to people. “How are you doing?” It has become a greeting of sorts in most settings. It’s kind of funny, isn’t it? I see people ask it, while walking past each other, with no intention to stop and listen for a response. I guess it’s a non-questio

n question. Kind of like when people who do answer say, “Fine. I’m fine.” What they really mean to say is, “Life stinks right now. But I’m going to tell you fine, because I would be fine if we didn’t talk.”

Up front, I am not writing this directed at anyone. So, please, all you folks out there who have gone above and beyond to show love to our family, don’t even think – “I wonder if Jason is talking about me? Have I asked him how he was but not stopped to listen? Did I tell him fine when he asked me and blew him off? Ohhhhh! My day is ruined. I am not sure if I did or not.” Seriously, I am not writing this directed at anyone, so for those who may have even leaned toward thinking that, let not your heart be troubled.

I’m writing it directed at me.

Last night, when I was getting Dad settled to hit the hay, he was venting to me. I am good with that. We vent to each other. I had asked him earlier how he was feeling. He was answering me. Being honest about how he is actually feeling – physically, emotionally, relationally, about Mom, about guys who drive SUVs without a license, about situations that frustrate him.

At one point, he was telling me about the pain in his legs. He had mentioned several things, and without even meaning to sound like a “PolyAnna,” I did. I retorted – “At least you can walk, Pop.”

He didn’t appreciate the comment.

You know, if you ask someone how they are doing, them answering honestly is a good thing. Me responding with a positive, general statement, attempting to fix their perspective to see all the roses that are lying around that they are overlooking, is not a good thing.

Dad wasn’t not being positive. He was being real. People sharing hurts and burdens is ok. I know that. I encourage it and appreciate it in all the people I do life in.  I didn’t mean to respond that way to Dad. But I did. I apologized. He accepted. We’re still friends.

Here’s the obvious lesson – when you ask people how they are doing, don’t mistake their response of reality as a response of negativity and attempt to fix them. Listen. Look them in the eye. Be there. That’s encouragement, too, and sometimes is enough.

Reality for Mom is this – she is more than likely going to be a “new Retia.” And that’s okay. It absolutely stinks, but it is what it is. I am not thankful that my kids won’t know Ammaw the way she was anymore. I am thankful they will get to know her all over again. I am not thankful that Mom will likely not hold our kids any more. I am thankful they will sit in her lap, though. And I am praying for her mind and body to be as restored as it can be following a collision with a red Ford Expedition.

Most people don’t move much after that.

We are waiting to hear word on when her cranium piece will be replaced. Therapy continues. Progress is steady but slow. Mom is not eating much and needs to eat more. Her swallowing is getting better and better. Her bedsore has a long, long way to go to heal. Still an inch and a half deep. But it is getting better.

Not trying to sound crude, but if you want to pray for something that would really make Mom happy, pray she will be able to sit on a potty chair soon. That would make her feel positive. For real.

Love all of you. Gonna take Dad to his favorite restaurant tonight – Drago’s. Gonna take Mom some mashed sweet potatoes from Copeland’s after that. She usually eats most of those. Who wouldn’t?

We’ll post at you later. In fact, I think Dad wants to post tonight or tomorrow. That’s always a good thing.
-jason

Tuesday

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.”

~Psalm 75:1~

Pray for the group from East Fork Baptist Church that is at Student Life camp this week.

Pray for the Vacation Bible Schools this week.

Pray for Dwayne and Trisha and others on that mission trip and our FBC group as they continue On Mission in Canada.

Pray for the IMB personnel as they have returned to their places of service after meeting with co-workers.  Several large groups have already met.  For those who have not yet met, pray the meeting will be a time of refreshing and vision for the adults, a time of unity and purpose for the youth, and a great time of play and VBS for the children.  (Our group has just completed their time together – a highlight of the year for all of them!)

Baptist Press

June 29, 2009

TENNESSEE–GCR chairman issues call for 5,000 prayer volunteers. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30788

KENTUCKY–Ohio’s Kay Kwok dies in Owensboro, Ky. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30787

KENTUCKY–U.S. troops ‘best of this generation,’ top chaplain says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30789

KENTUCKY–Evangelists underscore revival preparations. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30790

KENTUCKY–DOMs challenged to live as servant leaders. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30791

KENTUCKY–Network renames award to honor Sid Smith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30792

KENTUCKY–Sid Smith receives award posthumously. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30793

KENTUCKY–Ministers’ wives ponder ‘Quiet Influence.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30794

KENTUCKY–Ministers’ wives honor Shirley Lindsay. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30795

KENTUCKY–Women gain freedom in God’s Word, speakers proclaim. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30796

KENTUCKY–Messianics: ‘Bring the exiles home.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30797

KENTUCKY–Seminary luncheons draw alumni, guests. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30798

KENTUCKY–Mohler: At 150, SBTS a tribute to God’s grace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30799

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Art Toalston): Michael Jackson’s love. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30800

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON: Emergency measures for an economic drought. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30801

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

WITH THE DEATH of Michael Jackson, the media buzzes with details of his popular career and his bizarre life: star of the family group, the Jackson Five, the changes in his music, his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, his financial woes, his three children, all of whom bear both his names, his cosmetic surgeries, the charges of child molestation…

Death calls us to remember a life, no matter how wonderful or sordid.

In Jesus’ case, it was different. His resurrection calls us to remember his death.

So it was for the disciples, according to John. About Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he wrote, “His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him” (John 12:16 ESV).

Earlier, when recording the Lord’s cryptic words about rebuilding the temple in three days, he said, “When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken” (John 2:22).

The resurrection validated everything Jesus had said and done.

When Jesus died, the disciples went back to fishing. One might say they forgot his life, because of their expectations. But when he arose from the dead, it all came flooding back.

This is why Paul wrote that, if Christ was not raised from the dead, then our faith and preaching and hope are all in vain.

So as we eat the Lord’s supper today, let us remember that he rose from the dead. And this fact will spur our memories of his sacrifice in death.  (J. Randal Matheny at: http://www.forthright.net/)

“…Do this in remembrance of Me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24
Have a great day!   Make it count!
Anna Lee

Monday Evening

On Mission in Canada

Wendell sent word they were beginning VBS today.

Later, Don said they had 11 children for VBS.  The temperature was 75 degrees!

Don Denton is improving, but Diane is stressed by the insurance company not paying for medicine the doctors say Don needs.  Keep them in your prayers.

I’m thankful for the nice rain we had late this afternoon.

Robert R. Lee, Sr.

(January 29, 1942 – June 28, 2009)

Robert R. Lee, Sr. who loved driving and working on race cars, was born on January 29, 1942 and passed away at 6:15 p.m., June 28, 2009 at the Ochsner Medical Center of Baton Rouge. He was 67, a native and a resident of Amite.

Mr. Robert is survived by his mother, Mrs. Velma C. Rizzo, Abita Springs; a son, Robert R. “Robbie” Lee, Jr. and wife Arvida, Cleveland, TN; daughter, Tracy Jenkins and husband, John, Old Fort, TN; 1st wife Carol Young, Old Fort, TN; 2 sisters, Eileen Letteberg, Abita Springs, and Janice Lee, Hammond; a daughter-in-law, Birgit Lee , Covington; grandchildren, Chris Lee, Chrissy Lee, Kenny Schenck, Brianna Wallace and Holly Wallace; & numerous nieces, nephews & extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace D. Lee; and a son, Steven Lee. Visitation will be held at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Mike Foster officiating. Interment at St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA.

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

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

Monday

“And I tell you more: whenever two of you on earth
agree about anything you pray for,
it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
For where two or three come together in my name,
I am there with them.”
~Matthew 18:19-20 TEV~

Steve Sanders has been hospitalized in Hammond since last Wednesday.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackmon was at Sunday School yesterday.  Thanks for your prayers for her last week.

Mission Canada Team

. . . .  Thanks to all for the prayers.   We have felt God’s hand on us during these days in Canada.  We took some time on two days to see some of God’s great creation here and have been in awe at the beauty of Canada and the awesome creative works of our God.  We have also been preparing for Childrens Events that will start tomorrow.  In addition to that we have been leading worship for some renewal worship services(kinda like a revival) here in Nanton and Cayley.  In the three worship services so far, we have seen God work in lives.  Bro. Butch leads the worship, Brett Thornton does the MC stuff, some of our people have sang and shared testimonies, and Bro. Joey and Bro. Bucky have been preaching.

This morning the two teams were separated so that we could worship with two different churches.  The Cayley team was in Nanton and the Pincher Creek team was at Heartland Fellowship in Pincher Creek.  Tonight we all worshipped at Cayley Christian Fellowship.

Beginning tomorrow the Cayley team will so a Children’s VBS Kid’s Camp in the mornings and will lead the renewal services at night.  We will also participate in the Canada Day activities including a gospel service on Wedesday.  Canada Day is like our 4th of July.  The Pincher Creek team will lead a Sports Adventure Camp in Pincher Creek Monday through Thursday afternoons.  After spending some time together for the last few days, the two teams will not see one another again until we meet at 4:00 am on Friday to head to the airport.

Please pray for the team members as God uses us to encourage and build up the body of Christ in this part of Alberta, Canada.  Pray for physical strength, rest from the fatigue, and spiritual insight to know how to minister to those with whom we come in contact.  Pray also the the children that come to the activities.  Pray for the revival services and for anointing on the singing and preaching.  Pray that God would encourage the Christians in this area.

We miss home and are grateful for the family of God that He has given us.  We look forward to seeing you all and will share more when we get home.

God Bless!
Bro. Joey

From Jimmy Dukes

Another Week in New Orleans

We have spent another interesting week in New Orleans. It has been wonderful in many ways, and not so wonderful in a few ways. The wonderful has occurred because I got the opportunity to preach last Sunday at First Baptist Marrerro, a wonderful church on the west bank where I had the privilege of serving as interim for about a year several years ago. The people there have been so generous and so loving to my family. I am forever thankful to them.

Our stay on the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary has also been wonderful for several reasons. One reason is the hospitality of the Drs Kelley (Chuck and Rhonda) and the staff and faculty of the Seminary. We have been cared for royally and we have been welcomed with open arms. I cannot imagine what we would have done if this accident had been in some unknown place. But our long time friends here have made it possible for us to keep moving on the road to recovery while not having to worry about how we would live or where we would stay. Thanks to all the NOBTS folks who have made us feel welcome. The manager and staff at Providence Guest House have been especially helpful. Every need had been met without ever having to make a request. Thanks, Linda and staff. We also have had the privilege of visiting with many friends and students in Cafe New Orleans. This cafe is the source of the best coffee in the world. It is a place where they never put too much water in the coffee. Thanks, Loretta and staff. We also have enjoyed some of the best grits and eggs in New Orleans in the NOBTS Cafeteria, bar none. Thanks Sheila and staff for that. Finally we have had a wonderful week eating in good New Orleans restaurants

, thanks to the generosity of a number of friends who have played host to us. Let’s see, II Tonys (thanks Clay and Carol), Copeland’s (thanks to a number of friends), Zea’s (thanks Taylors), Drago’s (the oyster place, thanks to Dan and Tom) and a few others. We even had a visit to Emeril’s (Bam) thanks to Mike and Ginger. In addition, we had Bud’s Broiler hotdogs a couple of times at lunch. We are still trying to catch up on the great New Orleans eateries. I recommend them all.

Then, the week has been wonderful because all eight of our grandchildren and our two wonderful daughters-in-love were here for Father’s Day. The best ever. Four of the grandkids (Jason and Jen’s were here all week. You have not had real fun until you watch four kids from 7 and one half down to six months travel through the Insectarium. It was great.

Then, I would have to say one of the most wonderful experiences has been spending the week with Jason during the weekdays and Erik on the weekend. The experiences, conversations, and food have been priceless. Watching them serve their mom and dad, especially watching them care for Retia in the hospital, has been a phenomenal experience.

There have been many other wonderful experiences as well, like meeting people, hearing about people praying for us, watching the church be the church, and many other things. Thanks to you all for that.

The not-so-wonderful has been watching Retia suffer pain and difficulty. She is fighting hard through the therapy and other treatments. We continue to pray that her thinking, focus, memory, and physical ability, especially in her left arm and leg, will continue to get better. We have trying hard to watch patiently, but we feel helpless as we watch. We are grateful to doctors, nurses, and therapists who are working so hard to make her better. We are longing for the time when we will be able to get back to Orlando and home to see what the new normal will be. While we appreciate our friends here in New Orleans and all they do for us, we miss our friends in Orlando as well and want to get back there. As I say, we are trying to be patient.

Thanks again to all of you who are continuing to be generous with your financial support and your prayer for us. Please keep it up. We need you desperately.  Thanks for being true friends.

I am going tonight to eat with Ken and Jordan Taylor and a friend from Orlando who is a student at NOBTS. (We are going to Copeland’s, one of our favorites). Erik just left a little while ago to return to his family and his work for the week. He will be back on Friday. Jason has a speaking engagement in Florida on his way back here tomorrow. He will be back tomorrow afternoon and will be here for the week. My brother Dan will take me to eat tomorrow morning. Someone will show up to get me to lunch tomorrow. I will get to work in Cafe New Orleans, drink some good coffee, and see some wonderful friends during the day. My thanks to them all. Isn’t it great how God uses his people to provide for his people? He is doing that every day for us. We are grateful

Thanks again to you all for praying and supporting. Please keep up your intercession to our gracious Father for Retia’s healing. It will be so wonderful to see her get out of bed and walk again.

I love you all.

blessings
jdukes

Robert R. Lee

(January 29, 1942 – June 28, 2009)

Robert R. Lee was born on January 29, 1942 and passed away at 6:15 p.m., June 28, 2009 at the Ochsner Medical Center of Baton Rouge. He was 67 and a resident of Amite.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

KneEmail

Bandage

aaabandage.jpgWHEN I WAS a little kid, I got a pretty nasty burn on my leg…

The doctor applied a bandage designed to adhere to the burned skin. The bandage was made of a material that had a healing ointment in it, and as the burn healed and the skin began to grow, the bandage and the skin fused. It worked almost like a skin graft, and it was very effective in the process of healing.

This is a picture of what the local church should be. We are not to be a band-aid that provides a small amount of healing and protection for the hurting people around us, only to be taken off and once again made separate. The church should be fused with those who have been “burned,” working as a unit to bring about healing. Part of our strategy is to become a vital part of life in our region, not just to be a place for people to visit on the weekends but truly to be a healing place for a hurting world. We want to be involved, to be part of the cure, and to be a resource for rehabilitation and spiritual restoration. (Dino Rizzo)

“And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude;

and He was moved with compassion for them,

and healed their sick.

Matthew 14:14

Posted by Mike Benson

Thanks for praying.  Your prayers mean so much to so many!

Anna Lee