Tuesday

People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13 (NLT)

Don Denton will be able to return to his home in Denver at the end of the week. He has been hospitalized for more than nine weeks. Thank God for the miracles of his improvement. Pray for safety for his wife and son as they drive home and for the medical plane that will fly him home.

During the weekend Emily Panter was able to see her children for the first time in almost two months. Her trach has been removed. She’s eating some and walking some. She has a regular room. There’s hope she will be able to go home soon. Thank God for the miracle of her recovery.

Mrs. Faye Price will have heart surgery tomorrow at North Oaks. Pray for her and her family as they prepare for Wednesday.

Mr. Morris Easley has been hospitalized at Greensburg due to an infection. Pray for him and for those caring for him.

Majel Dean’s sister and brother-in-law are both having medical issues. They are in the Jackson, MS area. Pray for them as they help each other through difficult days.

Barabara Bennett Gaines continues to work through recovery from complications of surgery. Pray for her as she continues to improve. Barbara one of Steve Bennett’s sisters.

Baptist Press
December 1, 2008

INDIA–Mumbai’s people ‘numbed’ by attacks, need prayer. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29429

WASHINGTON–Obama stands firm on ‘gay rights’ support. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29430

SWAZILAND–Myths worsen AIDS pandemic, workers say. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29431

SOUTH AFRICA–Caring ministry brings baby ‘from death to life.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29432

TEXAS–GuideStone exec responds to market conditions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29433

RHODE ISLAND–SBTS’ Bruce Ware is ETS’ new president. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29434

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Paul Chitwood): History suggests sacrifice for Lottie Moon offering needed now. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29435

Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
Ethnic ministries, Brazil

One of the first things Virginians Phil and Donya Kesler noticed when they moved to Rio de Janeiro in 2006 was the international connections the city offered—produce shops managed by Chinese workers and Arabic mosques and churches were all just a short distance from their home.

As an ethnic ministries coordinator, Phil travels throughout the country training Brazilian missionaries in cross-cultural outreach. It’s a perfect fit with Phil’s natural gift for language. He can read, write and speak Portuguese, Arabic, French, Chinese and Spanish.

Phil and Donya teach a specific method for church planting known as “Churches Multiplying Churches.” The idea is to start a new church while simultaneously training local believers to assume leadership roles. Once the church is established, missionaries can move on to begin work in another area.

“Brazil is the next major country, we believe, to send waves of missionaries to help [spread] the Gospel from the unreached places in Brazil to the farthest nations on earth,” Phil says.

Because you give:

“We would like to thank Southern Baptists for your prayers—which are essential for keeping us in the field—but also for your generous giving that makes it possible for us to recruit, mobilize, train and equip Brazilian missionaries as well as strategic partners,” Phil says.

For more on the Keslers and ethnic ministries, Brazil:

PHOTO GALLERY – Ethnic ministries, Brazil

FEATURE – Churches Multiplying Churches: Keslers bridge culture, language gap among Brazil’s immigrants (659 words)

SIDEBAR – Phil and Donya Kesler: Helping churches multiply churches in Brazil (468 words)

SIDEBAR – Not too young to share: Missionary’s children take lead in sharing Gospel with peers
(524 words)

(You may use http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5745&LanguageID=1709 in you want to read the feature and sidebars listed above.)

More missionaries are being added to the rolls of the IMB. You may be interested to know the statistics in the following article:
TODAY’S PRAYER
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
DECEMBER 1, 2008

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni of Cameroon (western Africa, between Nigeria and Chad).

A note from Ed Cox, director of the IMB’s International Prayer Strategy Office:

Thank you so much for your faithful intercession each month for the many conferences and events hosted by the International Mission Board. May God’s blessings abound . . .

Intercede for the 69 new missionary candidates who will be attending the Dec. 9-12 Candidate Conference. Ask the Lord to bless them with safe travel to Richmond, to guard their children from illness and accidents during their absence, to reveal His perfect plan for their lives, and to bless the consultants with an extra ounce of His wisdom. May each candidate leave Richmond with a clear understanding of where God would have him/her serve Him . . .

Please pray for the ISC Debriefing Conference scheduled for Dec. 10-14. Seventy-four returning journeyman, ISCers and Masters missionaries who recently completed their two- to three-year terms of overseas ministries will be reuniting at the IMB’s International Learning Center for a time of celebration, worship, debriefing and equipping for future ministry. May these days together be especially blessed for these precious servants . . .

Thank the Lord for the 256 missionaries who will be commissioned today, Dec. 17, for their overseas ministry assignments. They have successfully completed their eight-week field personnel orientation and will be departing very shortly. Please lift them and their families up before the Lord as they say their goodbyes. Several of the participants are still awaiting reception of their visas. And some of them have homes to sell prior to departure. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated. May the Lord show Himself mighty on their behalf . . .

In closing, I would like to ask you to pray for God’s blessings on the IMB staff as they serve you and our missionaries with faithful and caring hearts. May they sense God’s loving presence each step along the way . . .

KneEmail by Mike Benson
Enslaved

YOU’VE READ STORIES of lottery winners who are more miserable a few years after winning than they were before…

The wealth they dreamed would bring happiness didn’t. Not even close.

At the airport, Hugh Maclellan Jr. saw an acquaintance who looked troubled.

“What’s the matter?” Hugh asked.

The man sighed. “I thought I was finally going to have a weekend to myself. But now I have to go supervise repairs on my house in Florida.” Dejected, he sat waiting to take off in his private jet.

Here’s a man with everything he needs, with what most people dream of; yet he couldn’t even enjoy his weekend. He was enslaved by his possessions. We think we own our possessions, but too often they own us. Nothing makes a journey more difficult than a heavy backpack filled with nice but unnecessary things. Pilgrims travel light. (Randy Alcorn)

“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” ( Luke 12:15).

Posted by Mike Benson at November 12, 2008 3:10 PM

Sometimes my “backpack” begins to get heavy with nonessentials. What about your “backpack”?
Anna Lee

Monday

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family as they prepare for her heart surgery which is scheduled for Wednesday.

Continue to pray for the many families who are experiencing depression, loneliness, or grief during the holiday season.

Pray for our military as they continue to serve to protect us and many others around the world.

INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD

Monday, December 1, 2008

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for believers around the world who need the power and sound mind of the Lord.

As you watched international news over the Thanksgiving holiday, you saw reports of the massacre in Mumbai, India, and the political protests in Thailand that resulted in the closure of the Bangkok airport. Did these events draw you to prayer? Allow the Lord to prompt you to pray for Christians who have opportunity to speak words of peace to those who are terrified and confused by the uproar in the country of India. Intercede for those workers who may be inconvenienced by political turmoil in Thailand—not that they would avoid the inconveniences but that they would be instruments of God’s grace to their community, demonstrating patience and understanding.

In recent months, Muslim-background believer leaders from Mumbai have traveled to other Indian states to minister to flood victims. They have boldly shared their faith and explained why they are ‘masihi’ (believers in the Messiah-Jesus). Rejoice and pray for these genuine, committed men of integrity, and praise God for the way He has worked in their hearts. Ask God to use these leaders to train others in Mumbai in effectively reaching their neighborhoods during these days of crisis and emotional distress.

Numerous volunteer teams plan to travel to Thailand over Christmas break. They will perform skits, offer musical programs, teach English, and distribute God’s Word. Many volunteers are on tight schedules and interruptions in travel will jeopardize their availability to serve.

* Please pray now for volunteer teams, asking God to minimize their travel complications in order to maximize their ministry opportunities.

* Intercede for India and all swept up in the Mumbai tragedy that hearts will be comforted and peace restored through the Spirit of God.

* Ask God to give you His eyes to see and ears to hear each time you watch the news.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
GO TELL the story of Jesus

Day 2 – Aymara of Peru
Unlike many of the world’s lost, not having the opportunity to “hear” about Jesus isn’t the problem for Peru’s Aymara people.

“Everybody here has heard about Jesus—everybody,” explains Florida native Rick Martinez, who serves among the Aymara in the high plains of the Andes Mountains with his wife, Kelly, from Tennessee.

When Catholic missionaries first brought the Gospel to Peru hundreds of years ago, the Aymara blended it with their animistic traditions. The result is a folk Catholicism that reveres both God and natural “spirits”—not saving faith in Jesus.

Rick and Kelly separate worship of creation and Creator by presenting an undiluted Gospel message through simple Bible studies coupled with the JESUS film. They’ve launched three new churches so far. It’s a good start, but only a beginning.

“My ultimate vision is to see Aymara going out with a heart for their own people,” Rick says. “Once that starts to happen, I don’t think it will ever stop.”

Pray:

Ask God to raise up young Aymaran believers who have a passion for sharing the Gospel with their own people. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move the Aymara beyond spiritual apathy and that churches will be planted in the cities of Huancané and Moho.

Mary Louise Osborn-Hyde
(September 24, 1924 – November 28, 2008)
Died at 8:33AM on Friday, November 28, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Blox, TX, a resident of Amite, LA, and a former resident of Roseland, LA . Age 84 years. Visitation at Roseland Baptist Church from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Survived by husband, W. Sanford Hyde, Chesbrough, daughter, Holly Ruth Osborn Mauterer, Amite, 4 sons, Retus W. Osborn, IV, Hermon, ME, Lyman H. Osborn, Roseland, Stephen D. Osborn, San Antonio, TX, Philip W. Osborn, Mobile, AL, 1 brother, Harry D. McIntyre, Jr., Enon and 7 grandchildren. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

KneEmail
Mike Benson

Enslaved

YOU’VE READ STORIES of lottery winners who are more miserable a few years after winning than they were before…

The wealth they dreamed would bring happiness didn’t. Not even close.

At the airport, Hugh Maclellan Jr. saw an acquaintance who looked troubled.

“What’s the matter?” Hugh asked.

The man sighed. “I thought I was finally going to have a weekend to myself. But now I have to go supervise repairs on my house in Florida.” Dejected, he sat waiting to take off in his private jet.

Here’s a man with everything he needs, with what most people dream of; yet he couldn’t even enjoy his weekend. He was enslaved by his possessions. We think we own our possessions, but too often they own us. Nothing makes a journey more difficult than a heavy backpack filled with nice but unnecessary things. Pilgrims travel light. (Randy Alcorn)

“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” ( Luke 12:15).

(Posted by Mike Benson at November 12, 2008 3:10 PM)

It’s back to school today. Pray for the faculty, staff, and student body at schools throughout the area.
Anna Lee

“I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me.” (Psalm 35:9, CEV).

GO TELL the story of Jesus
Week of Prayer for International Missions
November 30 – December 7, 2008
Focus: South America
Goal: $170 million
FBC, Kentwood Goal: $18,500

Day 1
Indigenous of Colombia
From missions field to missionary force—that’s the dream of Fernando and Brenda Larzabal for the South American nation of Colombia.

“The Gospel has been in Colombia for more than 150 years,” Fernando says. “Our problem is that the average Colombian Christian has the perception that missions belongs to somebody else. But missions belongs to the local church.”

That’s why the Larzabals are working to mobilize Colombian churches for the sake of evangelizing the country’s indigenous tribes.

Isolated from the Gospel by remote locales, social prejudice and insurgent armies, more than 60 of these tribes have no knowledge of Jesus Christ. Most are animists, spirit-worshippers who live in fear of failing to appease gods they can neither know nor love.

“Without God there is slavery,” Fernando says. “Without Christ there is fear and that’s what they breathe day in and day out.”

Pray:

Pray that more Colombian churches will grasp their Great Commission calling and respond to the indigenous tribes’ need for the Gospel. Ask the Lord to give Fernando and Brenda wisdom as they choose where to invest their time and energy.

For pictures: http://www.imb.org/main/downloads/page.asp?StoryID=6944&LanguageID=1709

Good news on two people we have been praying for!
– Don Denton will be able to go home (Denver) via a medical airplane by the end of the week. Don will have been hospitalized 73 days by them. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton
– Emily Panter has developed problems shortly after giving birth to a new baby and has been hospitalized at Baylor. She was moved to a room and allowed to see her children (and the children to see her) for the first time in more than five weeks. http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Mary Louise Osborn-Hyde are still incomplete. Some of you may know her husband, Mr. Sanford Hyde, even if you didn’t know this sweet lady.

FBC, Kentwood
– Deacons for the week: Larry Miller and Henry McKenzie
– Nursery workers today: Laura DeBlanc, Gail Brister, and Stephanie McKenzie
– Ordination of Harrell Hoffstadt at 6 P.M. tonight
– Dec. 2 – Supper for the deacons and their wives at Don’s Seafood in Hammond at 7 P.M.
– Dec. 3 – Deadline for toys for migrants and Christmas cards w/stamps for prisoners
– Dec. 4 – Friendship Circle Christmas Party at Dean House at 6 P.M.
– Dec. 5 – Children’s bonfire and hayride @ 6:30 P.M. at Cutrer home
– Dec. 7 – Deacon/Widow banquet following morning worship
– Dec. 7 – AWANA Birthday Party for Jesus
– Dec. 7 – New study, “Men of the Bible”, begins in Friendship Circle Sunday School Class
– Dec. 11 – “Hope for the Holidays” @ 6:30 P.M. (loss, sorrow, loneliness, & grief)
– Dec. 13 – Lottie Moon Tea @ New Zion @ 2 P.M.
– Dec. 14 – “Miracle on Main Street” @ 6 P.M. by children’s choir
– Dec. 21 – “Jesus,Our Emmanuel” @ 7 P.M. by sanctuary choir

KneEmail
Mike Benson

Love

NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband…

“I do not only want to get rid of him; I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me.”

Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan. “Go home and act as if you really loved your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you’ve convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that you’re getting a divorce. That will really hurt him.”

With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, “Beautiful, beautiful! Will he ever be surprised!”

And she did it with enthusiasm. Acting “as if.” For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing, etc.

When she didn’t return, Crane called, “Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?”

?!” she exclaimed. “Never! I discovered I really do love him.”

THOUGHT: Her actions changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds. (J. Allan Peterson)

KneEmail: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” ( Eph. 5:25); “That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children” ( Titus 2:4).

Posted by Mike Benson at November 11, 2008 3:32 PM

Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, . . . being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:3-6)

Update on Don Denton:

Pictures….from Thanksgiving Day! We have several pictures from our wonderful Day. It was Don’s first day from a hospital in 64 days!

Joshua was not sure that he was really going to see his daddy outside of the hospital. To a 4 year old two months is like 10 thousand years.

But when Joshua saw his daddy in the van, that child could have sprouted wings and flown to the car. Joshua was elated with joy! As I watched the two of them, tears flowed from me. The reality of Don leaving the hospital was actually happening.

Our day was a day sitting around the table just basking in the moment. It was a precious site to us. WE savored every moment.

As much as we tried to prepare Joshua for his daddy having to go back to the hospital, it still was very difficult.

But now we are counting down and only 6 days left till we come home to Bolivar and 7 for Don.

We still have a long road ahead of us once we get home. Don is looking forward to returning back to work. He misses his students, his teaching and his peers.

Please pray that upon our leaving Rochester that the weather will be good for traveling by plane and by car.

We have allot of work to do to the house to get it ready for Don.

* I need some volunteers to help me with making these adjustments. I will have the supplies. I would appreciate anyone who may have some time to help me.
* There is one more request that I have and this one is for Joshua. Joshua does not realize that his daddy will not be able to put up Christmas lights this year. I know this is probably a “wishlist” request. But I would welcome anyone who might be willing to help me with this too.

Since this will be our first Christmas staying in Bolivar this year, it would be really special to have some Christmas lights. We have them in our attic, I just would need some help putting them up.

Well just to be home will feel wonderful. We continue to be so grateful for you all and your kindness to us.

Love and blessings

Diane
( http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton)

Two of the recent updates on Emily Panter from http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/.

Thursday, November 27, 2008
THANKSGIVING
I called Luke just now and told him to tell Emily that we’re celebrating her life today! We know that many of you, just like us, have had losses—God doesn’t always answer our prayers with a “yes.” He does what glorifies Himself the most. But today, we have so much to praise and thank God for. And we’re praising Him and thanking Him for Emily’s life.
Luke said Emily had a good night. She has tolerated the cap on her trach for over 24 hours now!! YIPPEEE!! In fact, they changed out her trach this morning and it has helped her coughing alot, Luke said. He said she’s also eating well today. We don’t know what the plan is yet about Emily getting to stay off of the vent, etc. But….for where we are…we’re grateful!

Father,
We just want to praise and thank You for choosing life for Emily. Thank You for blessing Luke and her children and her extended family this way. Thank You for glorifying Yourself through her life. We come in agreement as her friends and family glorifying Your holy name—You’ve done all things well. We trust Your heart, Father. We love You!! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
Posted by Emily Panter at 11:44 AM 6 comments
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Quiet Night
I just talked to Luke and he said Emily has had a restful day. Her coughing has subsided considerably. She also still has the cap on the trach (which means the vent is off) and is doing well with that. Mike & Jonathan (Emily’s dad & brother) had gotten there and they had just left to go to Jeff & Kim’s, I believe.
Please pray that Emily does well all night long. Pray that her cough goes away completely. And pray that she endures the cap on the trach for 24 hours.

Psalm 17:8
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”

Pray for the many families who have lost loved ones recently. The list is long!

Mary Louise Osborn-Hyde
(September 24, 1924 – November 28, 2008)
Died at 8:33AM on Friday, November 28, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Blox, TX and a resident of Roseland, LA. Age 84 years. Funeral arrangements are pending at McKneely Funeral Home of Amite & Kentwood, Inc., Amite, LA.

Eddie Joe Blanchard Sr.
Blanchard Sr., Eddie Joe Assembly of God of Kentwood at 10 a.m.

McNabb, Donald E. (Funeral Notice) – McNabb, Donald E. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, at 2 p.m.

Herman Ray Harris
Harris, Herman Ray Graveside service at Tickfaw Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Bates School Road, Osyka, Miss., at noon.

Communicator

SCIENTISTS AGREE THAT the universe is constantly communicating with us…

When we hear this, most of us imagine some half-crazed researcher spending decades listening to static noise from outer space, waiting for some abnormal yet distinct pattern or variance.

For example, the 1997 movie Contact, based on Sagan’s 1985 book, gave us a glamorized version of the legitimate search for extraterrestrial intelligence. In it, Ellie (played by Jodie Foster) is monitoring radio waves and signals from outer space, listening for some sort of ordered, encrypted sequece in the midst of static. She and other scientists eventually decipher a signal that is, as they describe it, “not local.” As a result, they surmise that a complex, ordered pattern “can only come from an intelligent source.”

Such communication can be found in our everyday existence. Consider the fact that the blueprint for who we are is intricately coded within the DNA molecules of each of our bodies. In other words, the DNA contained in every cell within your body contains information. It’s filled with “instructions” — complex, coded information. Obviously, information can’t be communicated unless there’s a communicator — and in this case, an intelligent Communicator — delivering the information. (Alex McFarland)

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God'” (Psm. 14:1).

Start praying for your contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions. The week of prayer begins tomorrow.
Anna Lee

Friday

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.” Luke 6:32 (NIV)

Carl Wayne Stevens is better and able to be out of ICU. Please continue to pray for him and his family.

It’s time to start thinking and planning for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions. Sunday will begin the week of prayer for the LMCO.

Increased giving crucial to keep pace with record growth
While celebrating record growth and the largest number of missionaries under appointment in recent years, trustees of the IMB also heard some cautionary notes related to giving during their Nov. 10-11 board meeting in Houston. But some encouraging words from IMB president Jerry Rankin: “God has always proved His faithfulness through the giving of His people that His mission might be carried out around the world. Even in these austere economic times we must press forward in our vision to reach a lost world and be obedient to our Great Commission task.”

A challenge from
Jerry Rankin
The lost billions in the world are not just waiting to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are dying without Him. Will we be found faithful to GO TELL the story of Jesus through our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®?

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

GIVE THANKS

What if you were an American in a foreign country? What would you do for Thanksgiving? None of your neighbors even know it’s a holiday. And no one has jellied cranberry sauce at the store!

The turkey may have to be a chicken and the pies baked in a tiny toaster oven. It doesn’t matter. Americans living in other countries find a way to celebrate Thanksgiving. I remember the year we got all of our American friends together. Everyone made something and we had a big feast. Better than the food? We all loved each other. We were thankful for the family of Christian friends God gave us…AND for the jellied cranberry sauce sent from America.

Christians living in foreign countries can feel lonely on holidays. Ask God to give them good friends. Lots of Christians will invite their neighbors over for dinner. Please pray that they will be able to tell their friends and their neighbors about how God provides for them. Pray that they will be able to talk about Jesus. Give thanks for everything God has done for you!

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

There aren’t a lot of Christians where I live, so good influences are hard to find. Pray that I can hold on to Christ as I minister to people because it is easy to be pulled down when trying to lift up others. RUTH ANNE, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I pray that I will meet new friends everywhere I go. And pray my grandfather’s hip to get healed very soon. JAROD, age 7 (South Asia)

Pray for my American friends

CHLOE, age 6 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray that my friends will become Christians. Pray for my sister and I to continue to learn French and Creole better. Pray for us to have a real fun time and to learn a lot at the schools we go to. Pray for my sister and me to meet and make more friends. SEAN, age 5, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for the sick and poor and old and dying—that’s what I want you to do. ISAIAH, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray for my friends in Portugal to get to know Jesus. ELISABETH, age 10, (Western Europe)

I have some friends that are stuck in America because of visa problems. I miss them a lot and now I can’t see them until January. Please pray that they would be okay. KA, age 11 (East Asia)

In Indian families, the parents or grandparents are the head of the family. In our friend’s family, a woman is Christian and sharing to her husband; but the husband’s mom is a strong Hindu and against Christians. The man wants to be a Christian, but he will lose everything if he comes to God. Pray he will know God will provide if he believes and trusts in Him. Also pray that the man’s mom will come to Christ and accept them as Christians. AMANDA, age 12 (South Asia)

Reminder: Wednesday is the last day for bringing a toy for the migrant children or Christmas cards with stamps for the parish prisoners.

Randy Burnell Simpson
Simpson, Randy Burnell Kentwood First Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

Donald Emile McNabb
(December 1, 1938 – November 27, 2008)

Sign Guest Book

U.S. Veteran Died at 2:12AM on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. He was a native and resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 69 years. Mr. McNabb was as U. S. Army veteran and general foreman with Asplunda. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Don Meadows. Interment Hutchinson Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by wife, Carolyn Pease McNabb, Kentwood, daughter, Bobbie Falco and her husband, David, Longview, TX, son, Joseph E. McNabb and his wife, Cindy, Grangeville, 2 step-daughters, Samantha Malone and her husband Scott, Carlyss, Robyn Fontenot, Houma, brother, Edgar M. McNabb and his wife, Kathryn, St. Helena Parish, sister-in-law, Eva McNabb, St. Helena Parish, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by father, Edgar J. McNabb, mother, Helen Hutchinson McNabb Cossiboin, step-father, Joseph E. Cossiboin, brother, Bobby L. McNabb. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of St. Helena Parish Nursing Home for their care and assistance.

The prayers of MK’s took me to this devotional. I hope you can see the link between the prayers of children for the lost and the devotional.

Ready

THERE IS COMING a day that won’t be followed by another day…Are you ready…?

There is coming a day when this earth, and all that is in it will be burned up and destroyed…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when all that you have been taught about the comingof Christ will culminate with the actual event…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when your beliefs and those of your friends with whom you disagreed will be tested…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when your faith will be transformed into sight…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when sins that have not been covered by the blood of Christ will be revealed and reckoning will commence…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when your opportunities to have obeyed the gospel will be all be past…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when you and everyone around you will be judged, each one according to his/her own works…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when heaven and hell won’t be just future possibilities, but stark realities…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when the dead shall rise and your loved ones who died in the Lord will be waiting to be reunited with you…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when all of your talk about earthly things “not meaning so much” will be validated…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when those burdens that are pressing so hard upon you will be lifted…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when the path you are now walking is seen by all to be what it truly is…Are you ready? (Lance Cordle)

KneEmail: “Therefore, you must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” ( Matthew 24:44, ESV)

Posted by Mike Benson at October 27, 2008 2:32 PM

Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Thursday

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18; cf. Jas. 4:16).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you are planning some time today listing all the reasons you are thankful. There are numerous reasons I could list for you, but you probable have heard most of them. I want to share two sites I have referred to lately. Join with these families in thanking God.
Emily Panter – http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/
Don Denton – http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/visitAPage.do (Type “dondenton” in the first box.)

The wake for Randy Simpson will be tonight from 6-9 P.M. and 8-11 A.M. tomorrow at FBC, Kentwood. The funeral service will be at 11 A.M. tomorrow morning at FBC.

Please continue to pray for the many families who are grieving in our area. We seem to have had more deaths than usual in the last week or so.

I just heard on the news that the oldest woman who lived to be 115 has passed away. She lived a long time, but death ended her earthly life.

Knowing that death comes to each of us one day, I’m including this devotional about Heaven. I trust it gives hope to those who need it today.

KneEmail by Mike Benson
Heaven

GOD HAS PROMISED to take away:

. DEATH: No more bedside vigils, anxious moments and the mixed feelings that force us to cry, “I hate to see her suffer; but, I cannot bear to say, ‘Goodbye.'”

. MOURNING: No more uncontrollable sobs of sorrow. No more hours of visitation at the funeral home. No more nights of lonely vexation. No more days of bitter-sweet memories.

. CRYING: No more tear-stained pillows of disappointment. No more blood-shot eyes of despair. No more fatigue or feeling washed out from the stress that is so unique to discouragement.

. PAIN: No more open wounds. No more surgery. No more children with tears streaming down their cheeks and the question, “Why?” in their eyes. No more teenagers struggling with their identity or with the rejection of their peers. No more disloyalty and divorce. No more broken hearts. No more shattered dreams (Dan Winkler).

“And god will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

Posted by Mike Benson at March 29, 2006 2:33 PM

Thank-you for reading The Prayer Link and praying. You make a difference to many people.
Anna Lee

Wednesday

Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

(This verse reminds me of the hymn, “Be Ye Doers of the Word”.)

Carl Wayne Stevens, a former resident of this area, is in ICU in Laurel. He has improved since being admitted. Please remember him in your prayers.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, November 26, 2008

“I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders” (Psalm 9:1, NASB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, thanking the Lord with you for His great wonders.

The turkey may be a chicken and the pies may be baked in a toaster oven, but many Americans living in China will most certainly celebrate Thanksgiving. They will thank the God of bounty who provides for them and their families in every way and who has called them into partnership with Him.

Team Corsica is hosting four traditional Thanksgiving meals. They have invited non-believing friends into their homes for food and fellowship. Corsicans love learning about the United States and her holidays. Last year, the team hosted three meals which led to a deepening of friendship with friends.

Missionaries serving in Lilongwe, Malawi, share, “We have so many things for which to be thankful. The government offers many freedoms, we have Christian friends and colleagues among nationals who are co-laborers in the task, and we have prayer partners who are faithful. Ask God to use this special holiday time to remind us of the greatest reason to give thanks and the reason to be about the Father’s business: that Jesus Christ is the one and only Way for us to have life abundant and eternal. Pray that we will see the opportunities God gives each day and have the courage to speak boldly about our Lord Jesus.”

Missionaries in the Central and Western Tanzania Cluster are having a prayer retreat. Pray for safe travel for all the missionaries who are attending. Also pray for the volunteers from Nevada who are working with the missionary children. Pray that the fellowship will be refreshing, the teachings challenging, and the preaching encouraging.

* Please pray that missionary homes be filled with the Spirit of God and His wisdom as guests ask questions.

* Praise God for abundantly providing protection, guidance and enabling to all who serve Him.

* Our missionaries humbly thank you for your prayers during this time of Thanksgiving!

If you know of young adults who are interested in being a part of International World Changers, the might want to consider an opportunity such as the one found at http://thetask.org/students/Projects/ProjectDetails.asp?JobID=89674.

Holly K sent her latest newsletter. She has complete five weeks of her eight weeks of training. God is using her in many ways, including making me rethink persecution of Christians. She has talents and a special heart that will make her as asset for her people group. Pray for her as she completes her training and returns to this area for Christmas. Then, she will be off to West Africa to serve as a MK teacher.

John “Johnny” Walter Hurst II

John “Johnny” Walter Hurst, II, age 53, passed away on November 22, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Hurst was a part-time well operator with the Tangipahoa Water District.

He leaves to cherish precious memories, his wife of 28 years, Lynne LeBlanc Hurst; sons, Ryan, Joshua, and Tanner Hurst; mother, Anne Hurst of Kentwood, LA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nedra & Rick Carter of Laurel, Mississippi and Bonnie & Marc Impastato of Madisonville, LA; and other relatives and numerous friends. Preceded in death by his father, John Walter Hurst and niece Rebekah Carter.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation at Harry McNeely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be Bro. Joey Miller, pastor of Johnny’s home church, First Baptist in Kentwood and Bro. Rick Carter, associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi. Interment will follow at Inspiration Park Memorial Gardens in Kentwood, LA. An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com

(The time of the graveside service should be approximately 12:30.)

Margaret Elizabeth McCann Abbott
A resident of Kentwood, she died at 11:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home. She was 83 and a native of Sheffield, Ala. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Greg Stewart and the Rev. Danny Smith. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. She is survived by four daughters and three sons-in-law, Ovelene and Ernest Spears and Jean and Jimmy Powers, all of Kentwood, Janice and Steve Hutchinson, of Cedarville, Ill., and Charlotte White, of Kentwood; two sons, James and Joseph Abbott, both of Kentwood; 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her first husband, Columbus Abbott; second husband, Charles Abbott Sr.; three sons, Timothy, Paul and Charles Abbott Jr.; daughter, Gennie Willie; and parents, Ellis and Jennie McCann. Pallbearers will be Steven Spears, Eric Brumfield, David Spears, Scott Abbott, Joseph Willie Jr. and Jimmy Powers Jr. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Robert Maslias “Bayboy” Rogers
A resident of Slaughter, he died Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at his home. He was 58 and a retiree from the town of Slaughter with 26 years of service. Visiting at First Baptist Church, Slaughter, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. Burial in the Rogers Family Cemetery, Norwood. Survived by his wife of 16 years, Donnis Rogers; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Phillip and Mandy Rogers, Kentwood, and Tyler Rogers, Slaughter; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Janice Belle and Joseph Beavers and Robbie and Charles George, all of Slaughter; and three grandchildren, Ethan Scott Rogers, Chelsea Renee Tatum and Blake M. Thibodaux. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lesia Rogers. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Beavers, Joseph Beavers Jr., Chris George, Jacob Beavers, Benny Lindsey and Jerry Beavers. Honorary pallbearers are Phillip Rogers, Tyler Rogers, David Miller and Jason Causey. Memorial donations may be made to Charlet Funeral Home Inc. to defray funeral expenses. Share sympathies, condolences and memories at http://www.CharletFuneralHome.com.

Ray Tompkins
A retired machine operator with Paxon Polymer and a resident of Greensburg, he died at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008. He was 66, a native of Paradise, Mont., and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Graveside service at Days United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensburg, on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. Survived by his wife, Katherine Tompkins; mother, Maxine Tompkins, of Plains, Mont.; three daughters, Sheila Simmons, of Osyka, Miss., Karen Barkman and husband Ken, of Picayune, Miss., and Amanda Hilton and husband Chris, of Greensburg; three sisters, Nancy Bradshaw, of Morgantown, N.C., Martha Good, of Paradise, and Rose DeNu, of San Jose, Calif.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his father, Roy W. Tompkins; two brothers, Frank and Gary Tompkins; a sister, Betty Coy; and biological mother, Mona Sharp. He founded the North Helena Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Unit and served for eight years as fire chief. After retirement he ran his own bulldozer and backhoe business. Arrangements by McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Kentwood.

Last night, I was talking with a special older friend. We mentioned the numerous deaths in our community. I hope that as each family goes through the grieving process they will be able to call on God to be with them in their time of great need. The following devotional seems most appropriate, not only because of the holiday, but because of the many needs around us. I’m sure Mike Benson would be honored to know you retold his devotional to help someone at this season of their life.

Squeal
by Mike Benson

WE RAISED PIGS…

We raised about a thousand pigs a year. In one field we had two or three hundred little oinkers running around. Every day, at four in the morning, as I’d walk into the field to feed those guys, they’d scatter.

Once a little pig came up and began to chew on my foot, so I picked him up and began to pet him. Soon he wanted down. I said, “No, I’ll let you down when I’m ready.” At that moment, he let out a squeal such as I had never heard. In about two seconds, thirty mama pigs weighing five to six hundred pounds each were headed my way. I put him down and headed for the fence. I barely made it over, and all the mama pigs were snorting and walking back and forth, daring me to come back over and bother one of their kids. I look back at that and realize the little rascal wasn’t intimidated. He was out of control, but he wasn’t intimidated. Why? Because one squeal away he had resources. (Rod Cooper)

We can “squeal” (e.g., pray) and know that the God of the universe will employ His resources to meet our needs.

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer” (Psm. 61:1).

(Posted by Mike Benson at November 25, 2008 2:46 PM)

It’s okay to “squeal” for help. God is waiting to hear your call!
Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Eddie Joe Blanchard, Sr.
(October 30, 1931 – November 24, 2008)
Died at 3:00PM on Monday, November 24, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was a native of Bogalusa, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 77 years. Visitation at Assembly of God of 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. William Hyde & Rev. Danny Smith. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. Survived by 4 sons, Eddie Joe Blanchard, Jr. and wife, Sandra, Kentwood, Reggie Eugene Blanchard, Kentwoood, Ronnie Ray Blanchard and wife, Donna, Prarieville, Randie Lynn Blanchard and wife, Sandra, Kentwood, 1 sister, Georgia Durand, New Orleans, 1 brother, Ernest Blanchard, Baton Rouge, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Annie Newsom Blanchard, parents Phillip and Minnie Lea Blanchard, 2 sisters. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Johnny Hurst will be in Hammond in the morning with burial at Inspiration Park. I have been unable to locate an obituary, but will post one when one is available.

Tuesday – Midday

“Giving thanks for Rich’s report yesterday….after

last weeks PetScan! GREAT!!! N O cancer cells!

Thanking our Father!”
(Rich is my cousin, Suzan’s, husband. They live in Texas.)

Mrs. Bert (Vivian) Newton of Roseland is hospitalized in ICU at North Oaks. She’s had surgery, but is still running a temperature. Please pray for Vivian and her family.

Randy Burnell Simpson
(September 6, 1952 – November 24, 2008)
Died at 4:12 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2008, at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was a native of McComb, MS and a lifetime resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 56 years. Randy was a member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood. He was a talented mechanic and helped many people with car repairs from a large area. Randy was a devoted husband and father. He spent every possible moment with his son and was excited over the upcoming birth of his first grandchild. Visitation at Kentwood First Baptist Church, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Friday. Services conducted by Bro. Joey Miller & Bro. Heath Rohner. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers: Arnold Pezant, E. H. Welch, Ray Gill, Jason Simpson, Brandon Simpson and Marty Simpson. Survived by wife, Martha Chapman Simpson, Son, Matthew Blake Simpson and wife Celeste, of Slaughter, LA, Father and Mother, Burnell Boyd and Hazel Corking Simpson, Kentwood, LA, two brothers, George Wayne Simpson and wife, Susan, Kentwood, LA, and Ricky Dale Simpson and wife, Sherry, Kentwood, LA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister, Linda Lee Simpson. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Tuesday

… That you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:20 (NIV)

Margaret Elizabeth McCann Abbott
(August 10, 1925 – November 24, 2008)
Died at 11:15AM on Monday, November 24, 2008 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood, LA. She was a native of Sherfield, AL and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 83 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart and Rev. Danny Smith. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by 4 daughters, Ovelene Spears and her husband, Ernest, Kentwood, Jean Powers and her husband, Jimmy, Kentwood, Janice Hutchinson and her husband, Steve, Cedarville, IL, Charlotte White, Kentwood, 2 sons, James Abbott, Kentwood, Joseph Abbott, Kentwood, 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by 1st husband, Columbus Abbott, 2nd husband, Charles Abbott, Sr., 3 sons, Timothy Abbott, Paul Abbott, and Charles Abbott, Jr., daughter, Gennie Willie, parents, Ellis and Jennie McCann. Pallbearers will be Steven Spears, Eric Brumfield, David Spears, Scott Abbott, Joseph Willie, Jr., and Jimmy Powers, Jr.

FBC Reminders
*Christmas Toys for Migrant Children are due to the church office by Wednesday, Dec. 3rd.
*Christmas Cards with Stamps for parish prisoners are also due by Wednesday, Dec. 3rd.
*No AWANA meeting on Nov. 30th.
*”Men of the Bible” Bible study begins Dec. 7th in Friendship Circle Sunday school class.
*”Hope for the Hoidays”, a seminar for those dealing with loss, sorrow, loneliness, and grief will be at FBC, Kentwood on Dec. 11th at 6:30 P.M.

Partial
By Mike Benson

A CHICAGO BANK once asked for a letter of recommendation on a young Bostonian being considered for employment…

The Boston investment house could not say enough about the young man. His father, they wrote, was a Cabot; his mother was a Lowell. Further back was a happy blend of Saltonstalls, Peabodys, and others of Boston’s finest families. His recommendation was given without hesitation.

Several days later, the Chicago bank sent a note saying the information supplied was altogether inadequate. It read: “We are not contemplating using the young man for breeding purposes. Just for work.”

God is not a respector of persons either. He wants to use people from every family, nation, and race who want to work and serve for Him.

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” ( Acts 10:34-35).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 21, 2008 2:41 PM

Make the most of this day the Lord has given us. Today is the only day we will have this day!
Anna Lee