Monday

“Hear me when I call,

O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.”

~Psalm 4:1~

 

 

Update concerning Jordan Russell:

Good evening all! Thank you for continuing to pray for Jordan. He is out of ICU and in a regular room. Yeah! He was moved late Saturday afternoon. He is up and walking around and eating and drinking (mostly drinking water and juices). He is on a full liquid diet but does not usually eat much of it since nothing really tastes good.

Please continue to pray for the swelling to go down in his throat. The trach can not come out until he can breathe normally out of his nose. His doctor said today that there is the possibility Jordan could go home with the trach still in BUT we would prefer that not to happen. Jordan is on steroids to help with the swelling. He does not have to have as much pain medicine now which is good.

Pray also he sleeps better at night. Last night Jordan and Nathaniel (spent the night with him) did not sleep well. He is by himself tonight. Nathaniel had to return to Belton and Roger is in Belton since he preached tonight at FBC Belton. Kyle is in Tyler. Jordan told me I did not have to spend the night with him.

We are glad to see Jordan more aware of what is going on and can enjoy visitors now that he is out of ICU. My Uncle Victor came last night and this morning Jordan enjoyed a visit from three of his Union friends (one is a roommate of his). They had spent the summer working at Pine Cove Camp outside of Tyler and were heading back to Tennessee. Jordan also had me call friends and his Sergeant from TN National Guard this evening to give updates.

Thank you again for praying for Jordan and us.

Love,

Melinda and all

Pray for Jason Dean as he prepares to see a specialist at OLOL Wednesday at 8 A.M. Jason is having problems with his “second tonsils”.

Joan Hagan requests prayer for her mother, Mrs. Betty Bethel, and her aunt, Mrs. Elaine Bennett. Your prayers for these two ladies will be greatly appreciated.

Pray for Kayla and Kelly Schneeweiss who are in West Palm Beach, Floria as tropical story Fay visits the Florida area. Play Kayla and Kelly will be able to fly out before the worst of the weather. Pray for all the people in the path of Fay as she heads to Florida.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is home after a sudden visit to the hospital Friday. She is better, but needs our prayers as she continues to improve.


Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson was at church yesterday morning and evening. Thank God for her amazing progress following surgery.

Please pray for Frann Clark.

I will have an IVIG Monday at Beauregard Memorial Hospital starting at 8 am & ending about 5 pm.

Tuesday I will have phy therapy with pickup at 8 am. That afternoon I see Dr. Nichols in Lake Charles for a check of my esophagus. He had to stretch it several years ago & will probably have to do it again. I am having a little trouble swallowing.

Wednesday I will probably be zapped out after a long day Monday & Tuesday.

Please pray for me on both days.

God Bless You
Frann

The share group that meets at the Alford Cabin will meet Thursday at 6:30. Please feel free to join us. Call for directions.

 

 

 

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

Towel

JESUS SAID THE answer to pride was a towel ( John 13)…

Men have never been good at using towels. After three years of concentrated teaching, the apostles were still pushing and shoving for the chief seats. If Jesus was not angry, He was disgusted. Without a word, He washed feet. On cue, Peter whipped out his “no, never” sermon. Without mercy, Jesus cut him to the ground. Christian lives/churches are built only with towels. (Charles Hodge, reprinted with permission, Gospel Advocate)

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher,

have washed your feet,

you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

For I have given you an example,

that you should do as I have done to you.”

~ John 13:14-15~

It’s not about being self-centered and always expecting others to do for us. It’s about serving others. Jesus set the example!

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

Evelyn Sitman Addison
(Died August 17, 2008)

Died on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at St. Catherine Village in Madison, MS. Age 94 years. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church, Greensburg, LA from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Juanita Young Felker
(August 23, 1940 – August 17, 2008)

Died at 12:05 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native and resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 67 years. Visitation at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church, Pine Ridge, LA , from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Kevin Smith & Rev. Tim Pruitt. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine Ridge, LA. Survived by daughter and son-in-law, Sherry Felker Day and Tommy Day, adopted children, Melinda Felker Collette and her husband Luke Collette, Darryle Felker, and Michael Felker, 2 brothers, Clarence “Tut” Young and Donald Young, aunt, Lorraine Donnariche, uncle, Clarence “Jr.” Bridges, 9 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, William “Billy” Brent Felker, parents, Marion and Helen Bridges Young, brother, George A. Young. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sunday

“Ask of Me,

and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance,

and the ends of the earth for Your possession.”

~Psalm 2:8~

AUKAN OF SURINAME AND FRENCH GUIANA (AW-kan). The Aukan Team praises God for His loving kindness to the Aukan people. A flood came two months ago and left more than 1,000 families homeless. The Christians responded to the flood by giving out food packets to the families. The Aukan people saw God’s love and are thankful to God’s people for their kindness. Please pray that the people will come to know Christ as their Savior.

BULGARIA. “We are so excited about the women who are coming from Texas and Illinois to do the quilting demonstration in September,” writes Team Bulgaria. “Please continue to lift them up as they prepare to come and use their love of quilting to share God’s love with women here. Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts and minds of the women who attend to be drawn nearer to Him as they learn the art of American quilting. Praise our gracious Father for the supplies that He has already given us for this project, and ask Him to continue to lead us.” pray4bg@yahoo.com; http://www.teambulgaria.org/

PALESTINIAN ARABS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (pal-uh-STIN-ee-uhn). In the midst of a densely populated Muslim area, God has strategically positioned a Christian elementary school. The student body is predominantly Muslim. The Lord is illuminating the school as an island of peace amid a sea of turmoil. Despite persecution, the school is continuing to grow. Praise God! Several new classes will be added this year. Pray for God’s protection for students, staff and school property. Ask that many young families will open their hearts to the love of God through His Son.

Change of Schedule at FBC, Kentwood Tonight:

  • Evening Worship will resume at 6 P.M.
  • AWANA will resume at 4:45.


SECURING THE TOMB

 

 

A joke heard around the Pentagon goes like this:

One reason the Services have trouble operating jointly is that they don’t speak the same language.

For example, if you told Navy personnel to “secure a building,” they would turn off the lights and lock the doors.

Army personnel would occupy the building so no one could enter.

Marines would assault the building, capture it, and defend it with suppressive fire and close combat.

The Air Force, on the other hand, would take out a three-year lease with an option to buy.

It seems to me that there was some misunderstanding regarding the “securing” of a location in Palestine in the first century as well.

“On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, ‘Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, “He has risen from the dead.” So the last deception will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.’ So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.” (Matthew 27:62-66).

The Jewish and Roman leaders’ idea of “securing the tomb” meant putting a big rock in front of it. Unfortunately for them (but fortunately for us), Jesus’ idea was to secure the tomb’s place in history by rising from the dead. Mere rocks are unable to hold back the one who created the universe! What hope is ours because of what happened that glorious morning nearly 2,000 years ago! Praise God for the resurrection of His precious Son!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Blessings,

Anna Lee

Saturday

 

 

 

 

“Be imitators of God, therefore,

as dearly loved children and live a life of love,

just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us

as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

~Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV~

 

 

Friday Night Update on Jordan Russell:

Thank you for continuing to pray for Jordan. He is doing better but still has a ways to go even before going home. The doctor decided to keep Jordan’s trach in until Monday since his throat is still swollen making it hard to breathe through his nose and mouth. Pray he can keep nourishment down. He tried eating this afternoon but got sick. He gets easily anxious or stressed. Please pray he will take it easy as he begins to take liquid or soft foods like Boost, jello, pudding and even ice cream. He is still in ICU but may be moved to a regular room Saturday.

Thank you for praying for Jordan and us.

Love,

Melinda and guys

I talked with Beth before and after Kyle Brabham went to the doctor yesterday. Kyle is doing well, but experiencing pain. Pray for him as he continues to recover from surgery.

Richard Dunn continues to be at East Jefferson, but plans to come home Sunday or Monday. Pray for Richard and Kathy as they make the transition to their home.

Jason Dean has been having problems with his tonsils most of the week. Pray for him as he continues to try to get well.

Baptist Press

August 15, 2008

CHINA–‘God is my biggest fan,’ Olympics rower says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28698

CHINA–FROM THE OLYMPICS: With memories of Phelps, teacher heads to the classroom. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28699

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: A visit to Saling. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28700

TENNESSEE–Relief workers monitor needs in Georgia conflict. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28701

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Abortion doctor pleads not guilty in believer’s death. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28702

TEXAS–Katrina tragedy still grips missionary’s call. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28703

KENTUCKY–Beth Moore simulcast reaches 70,000 women. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28704

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): We need more men like these. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28705

ARKANSAS–FIRST-PERSON (Emil Turner): Heroism. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28706


SEEKING PRIVACY

The following humorous piece was sent to me author unknown:

ATTENTION CHILDREN: The Bathroom Door is Closed.

Please do not stand here and talk, whine, or ask questions. Wait until I get out.

Yes, it is locked. I want it that way. It is not broken, I am not trapped. I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times, since you were born, because I was afraid some horrible tragedy might occur while I was in here, but it’s been 10 years and I want some PRIVACY.

Do not ask me how long I will be. I will come out when I am done.

Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door.

Do not go running back to the phone yelling, “She’s in the BATHROOM!”

Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in.

Do not stick your little fingers under the door and wiggle them. This was funny when you were two, but not now.

Do not slide pennies, Legos, or notes under the door. Even when you were two this got a little tiresome.

If you have followed me down the hall talking, and are still talking as you face this closed door, please turn around, walk away, and wait for me in another room. I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.

And yes, I still love you.

(signed)
Mom

I know that every parent (and especially every mother) can relate to that. Sometimes it seems that there is no hope of any privacy. No matter where you go, little steps are heard right behind you. You try to hold a private conversation and little ears are listening. There’s no getting away from it!

That’s true of God as well. Though we may sometimes wish that we could get away from Him for just a few minutes, there’s no way. Listen to how David put it:

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8, NIV)

Though, at first, it may seem that God’s continual presence is something to dread, David realizes that there is great comfort in such knowledge:

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.”

(Psalm 139:9, NIV)

God’s omnipresence means that He will always be there to take care of us, no matter where we may be. Instead of being something to fear, His presence is something which gives us comfort.

Take comfort today in knowing that you can never get away from God — not even by closing the bathroom door!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


Have a great weekend!

Anna Lee

Friday Addition

Please add Allie Daigle to the prayer link. She is the 3 year old daughter of Jenny and Jason Daigle and has been diagnosed with a rare benign tumor on the bottom of her foot near the heel area. Jenny (her mom) will be hospitalized early next week to have their new baby. As soon as she has the new baby, Allie must have surgery to remove this tumor. She is also the grandchild of Julia (my sister) and David Currier. Allie is expecting a new brother and has a sister, Lillie, that is a second grader at Spring Creek. There have been lots of tests done this past month on Allie adding to the stress of the family moving to a new home also so just keep all of them in your prayers. We pray that the diagnosis is correct and that it is indeed benign; the doctors at Children’s Hospital feel very strongly that is benign.

Thank you,
Tammie Roberts

Friday

“I cried to the Lord with my voice,

and He heard me from His holy hill.”

~Psalm 3:4~

Thursday Night Update on Jordan Russell:

Just a note to let you know Jordan is awake and off of the ventilator. He still has the trach. He is in pain so he can have pain med every hour if he needs it. They did give him a medicine this afternoon for nausea that also makes him sleepy which was good since after waking up this morning he was having problems at times going and staying a sleep. Tonight they gave him a relaxing med to help him sleep better. He did have some ice chips this afternoon. The trach is very uncomfortable to him so pray it comes out Friday morning. I am heading up there first thing since Roger has a book review due for his summer school class and has to do some other online stuff for the fall semester.

Pray Jordan rests well and the trach comes out Friday. Pray he does well as he begins taking liquid nourishment. AND yes pray his throat heals without any more problems!

It was great seeing his golden brown eyes and smile today.

Love,

Melinda and guys

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, August 15, 2008

“…as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life” (Romans 6:4b, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, praying with you for new house churches and their outreach.

A cell church in Tijuana chose the name New Life Baptist Church. One of the men said that he liked the name because it describes where most of them are. They desire to put away their old lives and to put on the new life they have in Christ. Pray fervently that others-family members, neighbors, co-workers and friends-will come to that same desire.

There was an outreach among the Rural Xhosa of South Africa and 60 people accepted Christ as Savior. Follow up continues and N, a local, national pastor is planning to start a new church. Pray that the people will grow closer to the Lord daily and that they will tell others about this major decision in their lives.

In the aftermath of Kenya’s violence in early 2008, some Nairobi Christians are fearful about returning to their churches. Pray that leaders will be successful in teaching that God can be worshipped anywhere. Intercede for Nairobi Christians who are reluctant to return to traditional Sunday services, asking that they find peace in house churches.

In recent months, you have prayed for a small church start in Petropavlovsk. The Lord is hearing and answering your prayers. At a recent service, one teenager, M, began asking questions about God’s transforming power. While everyone was gathered around the table for a time of fellowship and tea that evening, M announced that he had decided to give his life to Christ. He was warmly welcomed into the family of God.

* Please pray for unity among members of these young churches.

* Ask the Lord to speak to the hearts of non-Christians in the areas of these congregations so that they will welcome the witness of believers.

* Pray for new believers as they learn to walk in a new way of life.

Baptist Press

August 14, 2008

CHINA–Nancilea Foster’s next challenge: Diving debut at Beijing Olympics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28688

CHINA–Olympian finds victory over insecurity & fear. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28689

WASHINGTON–Beijing coerces churches not to meet July-October. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28690

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: On the breakdown of missionaries. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28691

ARKANSAS–Gunman enters Baptist bldg. after killing. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28692

SOUTH AFRICA–Ostrich ministry is hope for South Africa. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28693

SOUTH AFRICA–Zimbabwean farmer faces death & forgives. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28694

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Penna Dexter): On abortion, is this what you mean? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28695

KOMpray

“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

MISSIONARY KIDS IN COLLEGE

Everyone is buying school supplies-notebooks, shoes, clothes. It can be a lot of fun! I always liked going back to school because I got to see my friends again. I missed going to the pool, but I liked being with my classmates. Several MKs sent us prayer requests because they are getting ready for college. They live in foreign countries but will move to the United States, leaving their families overseas.

Here are some requests from some MKs in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa:

IAN, age 18, asks, “Pray for me as I start university at Liberty this August. Pray that I’ll stay with the Lord on the straight and narrow.”

MARIA, age, 18, left Kenya and asks us to pray that she will stay strong in her faith & convictions-that she will continually seek Christ and keep Him first in her heart. And that her life will always tell of God’s love, grace and mercy.

SARAH, age 18, is pretty nervous. She is not going to a Christian school so asks we pray for her to stay faithful to Jesus. Her parents will have children on 3 different continents, so pray that her family will remain strong.

ELIANNA, age 17, wants us to pray for her family while she is away, and please pray for AIDS victims that they may learn the truth about Jesus Christ and the eternal life that He can offer.

KIMBERLY, age 17, prays for her adjustment. I want my relationship with God to flourish rather than suffer. Also, it will be difficult to adjust to the American way of life – very difficult. Pray that God will lead her to a strong Christian group of friends and a good church that is on fire for God. Kimberly wants us to pray for her family-“I will miss them so much. Also, my father travels a lot for his job. So this will be difficult, and not just because I have to leave.”


MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

My mommy is having a baby. Please pray for her and for the new baby. Also pray that the people in White River will have enough food and clothes. CALLIE, age 6, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for my brother that he would stop his bad habits. PHILIP, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

One of my sister’s best friends still comes by our house to visit. She has been a Christian for about three years. My mom shared Bible stories with her, her grandmother, aunt, and cousins. This believer has been treated really bad by her grandmother. Her grandmother even took her Bible. But that has not stopped her from believing in Jesus. One day she said … they can take my Bible but they can never take Jesus out of my heart. Please pray for this believer and for her grandmother, aunt and cousins. Pray that they will come to believe in Jesus just like my friend. DILLON,age 15 (West Africa)

The language in Malawi is called Chichewa. Please pray for the Muslims in Malawi. NATHANEL, age 11 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I get scared at night that my parents will get hurt really bad. My dad is sometimes going in and out of a country where Christians get hurt. (It’s called persecution) Please pray that I will not get scared at night and that God will keep my parents safe.

RACHEL, age 10 (South Asia)

Help me get better at reading. JULIANA, age 5 (Pacific Rim)

I would appreciate it if you prayed for my patience. I want to be able to not have a quick temper. ALISSA, age 11 (South Asia)

Please Pray for my grandma because she has breast cancer, and she’s not a Christian. Also, pray for my grandpa because he doesn’t have a job yet, SAMI, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Earlier this year, there was a lot of flooding where I live. Many people have lost their homes. There’s not a lot of drinking water for the people. Churches in Luanda, Angola are giving food and drinking water to the people. Please pray for the churches as they help. VERONICA, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for some people I met that they get better. They have tumors in their necks. Please pray that they get more money because the people where I live are very poor. JARED, age 6, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

YOU PRAYED FOR 5 MINUTE ENGLISH ON MARCH 28

They kept coming! A group of volunteers and summer interns in Tokyo were out sharing 5 Minute English at a local train station. Remember the prayer request we had in the spring? The students hold signs up at train stations and scream “5 Minute English!” The Japanese stop to have an English conversation, and the students tell them about Jesus. Late one day the students put the signs down and got ready to leave. BUT the Japanese people kept coming to talk. Two hours later the team finally left! Please pray for God to continue to keep the door open for the Tokyo Team to do 5 Minute English in Japan.

Pray for the needs mentioned by these missionary kids. May their prayer requests ring in our ears all day today.

Anna Lee