Tuesday

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful

in handling this small amount,

so now I will give you many more

responsibilities.

Let’s celebrate together!”

Matthew 25:23 (NLT)

 

(Can you and I expect to hear “Well done”?)

 

 

See You at the Pole
at 7 a.m. Wednesday
By Staff

Baptist Press


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Students across the nation will gather to pray at the flagpole in front of their schools Wednesday as part of See You at the Pole, the annual student-led, student-initiated prayer event begun in 1990.

See You at the Pole — which typically takes place at 7 a.m. local time — gives students an opportunity to pray for one another, for their school and their nation, and it also allows Christians within each school to get to know one another.

The event started with a group of youth in Burleson, Texas, in 1990. This year’s theme is “Connect” — as in, connecting with God — and is based on the story of 1 Samuel 3. Samuel, organizers note, began his relationship with the Lord as a young person.

“It all started for Samuel when he made a connection with God at an early age,” a letter to students on the See You at the Pole website states. “And he chose to continue to connect with Him daily throughout his life. It’s tough being a Christian student today, isn’t it? You have to make a lot of choices about who you are — and who you’re not. You have to try and follow God in a world that misunderstands Christianity and tolerates its principles less and less all the time.”

The prayer-focused event is held at the beginning of the year intentionally, officials say, so that Christians who meet at the flagpole can then encourage one another throughout the school year.

Last year more than 2 million teenagers across the nation participated in See You at the Pole. Teens in Australia and Canada also hold their own events.

Compiled by Michael Foust, an assistant editor of Baptist Press. For more information about See You at the Pole, visit http://www.syatp.com.

I suggest you read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) at http://www.syatp.com to learn more.

We can pray today for the success of this international time of prayer on school campuses around the world. We can support students by standing with them as they pray.

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Jerry McGehee Benefield
(January 18, 1929 – September 21, 2008)

Jerry McGehee Benefield
Mrs. Jerry McGehee Benefield, age 79, died on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, at the home of her daughter, Robbi B. Herrington. She was the daughter of Holt and Gladys McDaniel McGehee, both of whom preceded her in death. She was born in Amite Co., Miss., at the home of her maternal grandfather. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Frank Douglas Benefield. Survivors include three daughters, Robbi B. Herrington and her husband, Tim, and Darnell B. Strickland and her husband, Billy, all of Kentwood; and Carolyn Daniels Weaver and her husband, Frank of Jackson, Georgia, five special grandchildren, Jason Daniels and his wife, Shelley, and Tynessa Daniels Dacus and her husband, Brad, all of Atlanta, GA, Chad Strickland and his wife, Stacy, of Kentwood, Julie Daniels Johns and her husband, Michael, of Kannapolis, North Carolina, and Garrett Frank Herrington of Kentwood; three wonderful great-grandchildren, Logan, Taryn and Levi Strickland, all of Kentwood; sisters: Katherine “Kitty” Bryan and her husband, David M. Bryan. Jr. of Kentwood, Bobbie Jean Coltharp of Brigham City, Utah, and JoAnn Ingram of Bogalusa; brother in-law, Roy Benefield and his wife, Ina of Osyka, Miss., sisters-in-law, Bettye Benefield of Orange, Texas, Patsy Benefield of Osyka, and Marie Benefield Bass and her husband, Jake of Mt. Ida, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Jerry loved to sew for her children and for others, and make crafts in the years she was able to. She had a deep love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her most wonderful birthday was the year little Levi Strickland, her great-grandson, was born on her birthday, Jan. 18, 2007. She was an avid L.S.U. fan. She liked working with her flowers and cooking for her family. For many years, she worked in the church nursery. Visitation services will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Tues. night from 6 to 9 p.m., and at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until religious services being at 11 a.m. at the church conducted by Rev. Don Bassett. Burial will be in East Fork Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be sons-in-law: Tim Herrington, Billy Strickland and Frank Weaver; and grandsons, Garrett Frank Herrington. Chad Strickland, Jason Daniels and Michael Johns. Honorary pallbearers will be great-grandsons, Logan and Levi Strickland.

Alvie Leonard, Jr.
(August 20, 1941 – September 20, 2008)

Sign Guest Book

Mr. Alvie Leonard, Jr. born August 20, 1941, passed away on September 20, 2008 at 11:55AM at Tangi Pines Nursing Center, Amite. He was 67 and a native & resident of Amite. He is the son of the late Alvie & Leona Booty Leonard, Sr. Mr. Alvie is survived by his sister, Bernice Effie Piazza, Covington, numerous nieces & nephews, & special friends, Bobby Joe & Annette Chadwick, Amite, Jennifer Chadwick Bickham & husband, Dusty, St. Francisville, Christina Chadwick, Amite, Waco Bickham, Sidney Bickham & Peyton Bickham.

He is also preceded in death by brother, William Leonard & a half sister.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Sunday, September 28, 2008 after 2:00PM until Religious Services at 2:30PM in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment in the Arcola-Roseland Cemetery.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Monday

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

and He inclined to me,

and heard my cry.”

~Psalm 40:1~

 

 

 

Thank God for the great Lord’s Day He provided for us.

 

 

Several people continue to have tests, physical therapy, and other medical procedures. Please pray for them as they. Thank God for the progress some of them have made lately.

 

 

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Craig and Julie Kendrick, who serve in France, learned that they would not be able to be established in the French Social Security System; consequently, they had return to the United States on Aug. 14. Because of serious health and educational concerns regarding their 4-year-old son, they will not be able to return to France. Ask God to shower this family with peace, joy and strength as they proceed through this very difficult time of transition. Please pray for the relationships on the field that God opened up to them, asking that these contacts will continue to develop their relationship with God through other IMB personnel in Paris. Pray for God’s direction for the Kendricks’ future as they make decisions regarding their ministry and family. Pray that their children will make new friends quickly, that they will find good schools that they enjoy, that their transition into their new culture will be smooth, and that their classmates will be excited to know the Lord as they hear the stories of the girls’ recent life in France.

 

 

Darnell Strickland’s mother passed away. I’ll post the obituary when it becomes available. In the meantime, begin to pray for and minister to this family.

 

 

Sunday

“For in that day

every man will cast away his silver idols

and his gold idols,

which your sinful hands

have made for you as a sin.”

~Isaiah 31:7, NASB~

(This verse, that was in an emai,l seems to fit my Sunday School lesson from I Samuel 7 perfectly.)

 

 

 

Georgia Barnette Offering for State Missions

 

“God has provided the resources for us to minister to the critical needs of many people in our parish. At the same time, the lives of our volunteers have been blessed and enriched in a wonderful way,” reflects Brenda.


Day 8- Brenda Winburn

“…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “God has provided the resources for us to minister to the critical needs of many people in our parish. At the same time, the lives of our volunteers have been blessed and enriched in a wonderful way,” reflects Brenda.

Brenda Winburn is the director of the Care and Share Ministry in Rayville. “We provide food and clothing, help people with emergency needs, hand out Bibles, pray with people, give out tracts with the food and seek to present a verbal witness of the gospel. We are the only ministry of this type in Richland Parish. This ministry was very instrumental in beginning the Rayville Baptist Christian Fellowship Church whose congregation is mostly African American,” says Brenda.

This care and share ministry is bringing joy to the lives of many people in the Rayville area. “A junior high school student came to his teacher who happened to be a member of First Baptist Church in Rayville and asked her, ‘How do you like my new jacket? Do you want to feel it?’ She said yes and touched the jacket. The student then unzipped it and showed her the inside and with great pride said, ‘This came from Care & Share,'” recalls Brenda.

Please pray that this ministry will be able to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people who come to Care & Share. Pray that they will be able to offer a weekly Bible study. Finally, ask God to give wisdom in the utilization of the new building and the possible expansion of this ministry to meet additional needs.

Saturday Evening

Charlie Banks update:

Praise God that he has been taken off of antibiotics.
Pray that his body will be cleansed of any foreign germs.

Praise God he is sitting up and changing positions in the bed.
Pray for Dad to be patient as he makes “small steps” towards recovery.

Praise God he took a couple of steps with a walker.
Pray for God to strengthen his muscles and harden his bones.

Praise God that there has been no infection or blood clots to this point.
The doctor said that day 8-day 20 are the most crucial days for blood clots and infection.
Pray for healthy blood and constant circulation.

Dad’s doctor said today that he may be able to fly home on November 1.
He may be released as early as Monday, but he will stay in Bucuresti.
The home we lived in last year is vacant, so he will stay there.
The doctor and physical therapist will visit him in the home for the next three-five weeks.

Praise God for a church family, friends and relatives in Georgia who are taking care of many details for Dad.
Pray that Dad’s mind can rest at ease full of God’s peace, as others handle his business and affairs.

Praise God for His prayer partners that are here, there and everywhere!
We have been amazed to receive emails from people we do not know who are located all over this world.

Thank you for loving our family and praying for us all.
Don’t forget to pray for the Gypsies (Rroma)!!

Loving Rroma in Romania, Tamara for the Banks family
http://www.teamromany.com

Alvie Leonard, Jr.
(August 20, 1941 – September 20, 2008)

Mr. Alvie Leonard, born August 20, 1941, passed away on September 20, 2008 at 11:55AM at the Tangi Pines Nursing Home, Amite. He was 67 and a resident of Amite. Mr. Alvie is survived by special friends, Bobby Joe & Annette Chadwick.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be finalized Monday, September 22, 2008.

Saturday Additions

Mrs. Ginger Francois, former KHS principal, is in a room at North Oaks. Please pray for Mrs. Francois, her family, and the medical staff caring for her.

I forgot to include the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering feature story for today.

“Our church is known in the community as a church that meets the needs of anyone who needs assistance. We also give generously to the Southern Baptist Convention programs and teach our RA, GA, and youth programs to give and serve as well,” reflects Matt. “Our theme is ‘Reaching the World for Christ through our Community’ – we believe in doing our part in reaching the world for Christ.”

Day 7- Matt Coussan

…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10.

“Our church is known in the community as a church that meets the needs of anyone who needs assistance. We also give generously to the Southern Baptist Convention programs and teach our RA, GA, and youth programs to give and serve as well,” reflects Matt.

Matt Coussan is the pastor of Duson Baptist Church in Duson. One unique attribute of Duson is that it rotates church leadership positions quarterly in order to develop leadership and identify spiritual gifts. “Every church member fully understands we exist to reach those outside of church. Our theme is ‘Reaching the World for Christ through our Community’ – we believe in doing our part in reaching the world for Christ. We also do several community outreach projects such as an adult literacy program, “Round Up” riding horses, and hay rides through the community. Duson also takes mission trips to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe,” states Matt.

Duson Baptist is sharing the transforming power of God’s love to its surrounding community. “Our current music minister has come from leading karaoke in bars and night clubs to leading worship on Sunday mornings,” says Matt. “Due to the church’s discipleship mentality he was able to get involved and use his talents for the Lord. He is now discipling and influencing others.”

Please pray for new families to move into the area. Pray that Duson Baptist is able to pay off their building note. Ask God for a smooth transition as Duson Baptist goes through a change in music leadership.

Saturday

FRANKLIN GRAHAM VIDEO REPORT:
Urgent Appeal for Hurricane Victims

 

As we work in three locations in Texas to help victims of Hurricane Ike, Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham calls for prayer, volunteers, and financial help.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

 

 

 

 

 

“Unless you are faithful in small matters,

you won’t be faithful in large ones.”

Luke 16:10a (NLT)


Servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do,

servants “do it with all their heart”

(Colossians 3:23 NIV).

“If you think you are too important

to help someone in need,

you are only fooling yourself.

You are really a nobody”

(Galatians 6:3 NLT).

These are some of the verses that come to me via email this morning. I think it no coincidence they arrived on our day of prayer walking at church. Not only did we have people (9) who went to church to prayer walk, but we also had another group (6) who went to the church to do upkeep/repair. Those who did the prayer walking and those who were doing upkeep/repair, with the exception of one, been involved in OnMission in Kentwood (which will formally happen next week and informally happen all week).

Menial tasks were not below Jesus!

Major tasks were not too big for Jesus!

This is the attitude needed by people in all churches where members reach out to bring others “into the fold”. I thank God for each of those who prayed and worked this morning. I think God for the insight He provided and for the burdens and projects He laid on hearts of His people.

If He has been speaking to your heart and you have not yet responded, it’s not too late. You’ll be richly blessed as you take on the menial and the major tasks He gives His people to do. Remember, it’s never too late to get involved.

Have a satisfying Saturday!

Anna Lee


Friday Afternoon

Update on Charlie Banks

Hello,

Wow! We can’t believe it has been a week already. It seems like about 3 or 4!!! Everything is good. Dad sat up on the edge of the bed with his leg out on a stool. He has not had anymore fever and he is stronger today. Dad has also not had anything for pain today. Amen! The physical therapist will come tomorrow to help day strengthen muscles and eventually try standing with a walker. One of the doctors came by today. He said they will evaluate Dad on Monday to see when he could be released from the Euroclinic. They will only release him to Bucharest for now. He must stay in Bucharest, near the hospital. The house where we are now will be fine, if it’s available. We asked the doctor about flying Dad home and he said probably not for 6 weeks. We are praying that it will not be that long, but we want the best for Dad. The first 3 weeks are the most critical, because of the risks of infection, thrombosis (blood clots reaching the lungs), etc. The doctor explained that the high altitude of flying would magnify the risks soon after surgery. The Lord will continue to be with us no matter how long he has to stay here. We trust the Lord! Our prayers continue for no infection, strong recovery and safe travel home.
I’m staying with Dad tonight and Mimi will stay with Tam and the boys.

Thank you again and again for your prayers, calls, emails, love and financial help!!! It has been a blessing to our family!

In Christ’s love,
The Banks’ Family

If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.

~Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)~

Kathy Dyer continues to have health concerns. She is now home recovering from surgery. Everyone’s prayers have been greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray for her and our family during this time. Matthew 18:19-20.

Jennifer Dyer

Hello,

I was reading on your site one day about vbs at first bap church,all of a sudden I thought about ritz crackers and grape koolaid and how lovely the teachers were back well over 30 years ago.then I caught myself daydreaming and woke up to say those were the great days that have passed.soooo to all you folks that have a part in vacation Bible School,at kentwood First Baptist Church,just remember a child holds fond those sweet memories that will last a liftime….hats off to all of you and GOD BLESS….Lisa Westmoreland

 

 

Don’t forget to participate in the Prayer Walking opportunity tomorrow morning at 7:30. Meet at the church. As you walk and pray, you will “sow as you go”!

 

 

 

Baptist Press

September 18, 2008

TEXAS–Families, churches pick up pieces after Ike. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28943

TEXAS–HBU adjusts to Ike’s damage. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28944

WASHINGTON–Death penalty for apostasy likely in Iran. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28945

ALABAMA–WMU launches Korean-English resources. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28946

NORTH CAROLINA–Build relationships, campus ministers exhorted. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28947

CALIFORNIA–EDUCATION BRIEFS: Speaker series launched at Golden Gate. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28948

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Art Toalston): Hurricanes, economic upheaval & crisis. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28949

FLORIDA–FIRST-PERSON (David Burton): God’s Plan for Sharing: Jesus calls us to sow as we go. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28950

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

KIDS MAKE GREAT MISSIONARIES

You know, missionaries go to other countries to serve God. Many missionaries are married and have children, so their kids go live in the other country too. Well, did you know that in some places, there are more missionary kids than grown-up missionaries? Wow! The missionaries tell us that the children are very important in their work. For one thing, kids keep them smiling! The babies also get a lot of attention. The local people come up to talk and give the missionaries all kinds of ideas about how to be good parents.

Younger children play with the other children in the neighborhood. That gives missionary parents a chance to get to know their neighbors. How do older children help? They have coaches and teachers at school. Mom and dad missionaries meet the coaches and teachers and tell them about Jesus-if the older children haven’t told them first!

Missionary children know that many of their friends don’t know about Jesus. They are always praying about witnessing to their friends and teachers. Please pray for the neighbors of missionary kids, for their teachers and coaches, and for their good friends. Pray that they will hear the story of Jesus and want Him to be their Savior.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray that my family would continue to do well in Gaborone, Botswana. We recently moved there from Zambia. Please pray for school. MEREDITH, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for my sisters to become believers. I like being a MK (missionary kid) because I get to go to a lot of countrys. COLBY, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray for my neighbor because she is very sick-maybe cancer. DANIELLE, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

I really want to get into Grace (an international school). I also want to make lots of friends. Please pray for me. HOPE, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

I want you to pray for my family because we have to move and don’t know where we will go. Pray that my friends, Sana, Shafar and Nabila, will become believers. Thank you. SAMANTHA, age 10 (South Asia)

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 dead ancestors live still. CALEB, age 11, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I live in a city with 6 million people. I have just moved here so I really need your prayer right now so pray for me to get accustomed to such a big city. Pray also for me because the city I live in has a really high crime rate. Thank you for all your prayers and for supporting me, thanks again. NATHAN, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Week of Prayer for the

Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering

“I feel a special calling to assist in the rebuilding of lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” says Kelly. “Because of the great pain endured by so many, a great harvest is ready to be picked for the Kingdom of God.”

“…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “Because our ministry is in a city which experienced such devastation, it would seem that the scripture listed above would take on greater meaning, yet I believe the scriptures speak to a greater purpose of the Church as a whole. As with the scripture we believe and desire to join God in His plan for the nations and follow the role He desires for our particular body of believers,” reflects Kelly.

Kelly O’Connor is the pastor of Carver Baptist Mission Church in New Orleans. This church is housed on the campus of the Carver Baptist Center. “I feel a special calling to assist in the rebuilding of lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” says Kelly. “Because of the great pain endured by so many, a great harvest is ready to be picked for the Kingdom of God.”

While Carver Baptist Mission Church is still in its infant stage, this ministry has witnessed a number of individuals receive Christ as Savior. “As a result of the salvations, we have begun to disciple many who have given their lives to Christ. One individual has really shown consistent growth in his personal character and witness. An example of his personal growth can best be described by his disposition, hunger for God’s Word, and witness to our community. He is now leading others to a relationship with the Lord,” recalls Kelly.

Please pray that lives are genuinely changed in the community surrounding Carver Baptist Mission Church. Pray for leaders who live and value integrity. Also, pray that souls will be saved and that the new believers will be receptive to discipleship.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Latest Update on Charlie Banks:

Hello,

Dad is doing good today. He ran a low grade fever last night and was tired this morning, but he has not run another fever today. He is getting stronger everyday. Dad’s been sitting up in bed today (until he gets dizzy), and they have removed all the tubes and monitors, except for one IV. Tomorrow, the doctors are planning to get him into a chair for a short time. We are so proud of him. Thank you for all your prayers. It has been evident the the Lord is with us!!! God has overcome so many obstacles and impossibilities. We trust Him to take care of everything. As you continue to pray, please pray Psalm 20 over our family. This passage has been a comfort and blessing to us during this time.


1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.

3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah

4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer [a] us when we call!

Dad sends out a special “thank you” for all the prayers and financial support. He is overwhelmed by the outpouring of the saints. (as we are too) Mom is still doing good. She was not injured in the accident (except for a bruise on the head), but they have provided her a hospital bed to be with Dad. They have also provided her with all the meals. The Lord is mighty!!! It is hospital food, but she likes it. Dad, on the other hand, says it’s not cornbread and peas.

We are continuing the focus on the provision of no fever, a strong recovery and safe travel home!
In Christ,
The Banks’ Family

—
Blessings,
Jennie