The Prayer Link

Thursday

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Bucky and Ccolbye Erwin’s baby’s names is spelled “Ryleigh”. Everyone is doing well.

James Lee and Barbara Hutchinson has a new great grandson, Christian Hayden Holmes.

Mrs. Blanch Wheat is back at home in Kentwood with a sitter. If you know “Miss” Blanch, you know she wants to be in her own house. Pray for her and visit her. You’ll be richly blessed.

Mike Nason has experienced some additional problems lately, but is doing better. Please continue to remember him in your prayers.

Mr. Raymond Anthony and Mrs. Avis Sullivan continue to be in rehab in Hammond. Pray for them as they work to overcome problems associated with recent surgeries.

Dr. Earl Council’s sister will have hip replacement surgery next week. Please be in prayer for her. I think the surgery will be in Florida.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer is slowly recovering, but needs our continued prayers as he does so. Pray for his family as you pray for him.

Ashley Miller of Hillsdale received a good report.

Sharon Martin’s dad, Earlo LaBauve, is back at home and doing well. Thank you for praying for him.

JoAnna Wallace Gualtieri
(July 25, 1939 – August 3, 2008)

JoAnna Wallace Gualtieri
JoAnna Wallace Gualtieri, 69, passed away on August 3, 2008. JoAnna was born in Memphis, Tennessee July 25, 1939. She was a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana during her growing up years until moving to Hobbs, New Mexico and graduating from Hobbs High School. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Angelo Gualtieri of Tooele, Utah; one daughter, Rene’ (Marshall) Tucker and husband, Houston, TX; and one son, Keith Marshall and wife, Ogden, Utah; stepchildren, Kathy Martinez, Sherry West and Mariea King and husband; sister Aimee Wallace Theobald in Lexington, KY; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her father Josiah Nettles Wallace and mother Annie Gill Wallace, Kentwood, and siblings Douglas Nettles Wallace and Alice Wallace Shirley. JoAnna loved sewing, cooking, singing and any craft she could put her hands and heart to. A memorial service was held Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 6pm at the Tate Mortuary in Tooele, Utah. JoAnna’s children, Rene’ Tucker and Keith Marshall would like to hear from JoAnna’s family and friends. Please feel free to contact Rene’ at 10326 Pine Pass Drive, Houston, TX 77070.

Nellie Mae Lea Lee
(September 24, 1912 – August 11, 2008)

Nellie Mae Lee Lea, 95, passed away on August 11, 2008 at Atlantis, FL. She was a resident of Line Creek near Kentwood, LA from 1929 until 1998. She was born on September 24, 1912 in Jackson, LA and lived there until she married Orris Harmon Lea and moved to Line Creek. She was preceded in death by her husband and two children, Orris, Jr. and Eleanor Mae and a daughter-in-law, Mary Lea. She is survived by her daughter, Tommie Jean Chorpenning and son- in-law, Jack, her son, Robert N. Lea, her 6 grandchildren, Jack Smith Chorpenning, Frank Chorpenning, Rebecca Casceoli, Mark Lea, Terry Monaghan, and Tracy Mansfield. She also has 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10 am until the service following at 1 pm on Friday, August 15, 2008 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at the Line Creek Cemetery near Kentwood, LA.

Tena Singleton Bridges
(January 1, 1918 – August 13, 2008)

Tena Singleton Bridges died at her home near Kentwood, LA on Thursday, August 13, 2008. She was born in the Lewiston Community of Tangipahoa Parish, LA to Robert Hinson Singleton and Alma Boyd Singleton on January 1, 1918. She married Willie Bates Bridges of St. Helena Parish and they had eight children, Betty, Monnie, Billie, Maurice Jay, Thomas “Pud”, Garland “Rocky”, Rhonda Coleen and Raymond Curtis “Curt”. She is survived by daughters, Betty B. Wales, Monnie B. McNabb and her husband, Johnny McNabb and Billie B. Bullock; son, Maurice Jay Bridges and wife, Judy Birch Bridges; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Merlin S. Cox. She is preceded in death by her husband and parents as well as her sons, Thomas, Garland and Curt; daughter, Rhonda, parents, Robert Hinson and Alma Boyd Singleton; brothers, Wilson, Jack, Ollie and Roy; sisters, Mae, Nina, Verlie and Helen. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Danny Smith. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

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

We may be victims of miscommunication periodically, but we can rest assured God does not have that problem. His message to us is clear and unchanging.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Jason Alford learned he severely stretched three of four ligaments in his knee and fractured his tibia. He is now wearing a $1,000.00 knee brace and using crutches. Pray for him as he is unable to put any weight on his leg for the next 8-12 weeks. Thank God that, as of now, surgery seems not to be required.

Jordon Russell, son of IMB missionaries on stateside assignment in Texas, had surgery to remove his tonsils Monday in Texas. Bleeding problems developed. A tracheotomy and ventilator became necessary. Jordon is still sedated, but hopefully will be able to awaken soon. He will be unable to talk for a while. His vital signs have remained strong. For that, his family is very thankful. Please continue to pray for Jordon and his family as they continue to face these unexpected complications. (Jordon is a recent graduate of Bucharest Christian Academy in Romania.)

Kyle Brabham’s surgery is scheduled for 8:00 A.M. in the morning at North Oaks. Kyle’s family will appreciate your prayers.

JoAnna Wallace Gualtieri
(July 25, 1939 – August 3, 2008)

Nellie Mae Lea Lee
(September 24, 1912 – August 11, 2008)

Wednesday

Join with others in following my example, brothers,

and take note of those who live

according to the pattern we gave you.

Philippians 3:17 (NIV)

Pray for Jason Alford as he gets MRI results today in Rome, Georgia.

Please continue to pray for Greg Fortenberry. Greg was involved in an accident Memorial Day and has been hospitalized for twelve weeks at Ochsner Hospital. The plan is to try to move him to Hammond this week. Pray for Greg and his caregivers as they continue to watch over him.

Baptist Press

August 12, 2008

CHINA–Prayer helped outfielder reach the Olympics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28668

CHINA–Archer ties Olympic mark, but loses next round. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28669

NORTH CAROLINA–Olympian to teach at Baptist school. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28670

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: Ignorance about China is inexcusable. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28671

TENNESSEE–2008 Baptist Hymnal makes official debut. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28672

CALIFORNIA–Out-of-state donations key to Calif. Prop 8’s success. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28673

CALIFORNIA–DNC gave $25,000 to defeat Calif. amendment. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28674

CALIFORNIA–‘Prejudicial’ language to stay on Prop 8 ballot. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28675

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.): Confusing the ‘gay marriage’ issue. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28676

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, August 13, 2008

“A joyful heart is good medicine,

but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

Proverbs 17:22, HCSB

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for medical ministries.

In 2005, an earthquake ravaged the northern areas of Pakistan, destroying the fragile infrastructure of this nation. God’s people are still responding with medical assistance. Recently a team of college students came to assist a mobile medical clinic team with childcare, health data collection, and fellowship with the Pakistani women. Within 20 minutes of setting up, they had a long line waiting to see the woman doctor. The students painted the children’s hands and played games while the women listened to stories from the Word told in their own language. The doctor saw more than 80 patients in only seven hours. For many of these women, it was the first time someone had come to listen, hear their troubles, and help them.

As the result of a prayerwalking trip among the Kano Katsina Fulbe, a ministry is now offered in an area of 17 Nigerian villages. The chief and the health workers (all Muslim) offered to let Christian workers use their clinic. The team agreed saying, “If we do that, we would also like to share about the way of Jesus.” Their response? “That is OK with us.”

A medical team from Alabama is currently in Guatemala holding a medical clinic in a Kekchi village. The VIC Team in Colombia has begun nutrition groups in several areas of the country for malnourished children under 5 years of age and for expectant mothers. A dental team will arrive in Guinea August 15. This is the first clinic hosted by the Fulbe Futa Team.

Summer student workers are in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, assisting dentists and other doctors in clinics. After a pediatrician helped a family, they shared the gospel and a mother and daughter were saved!

* Please pray for the preparations for these various medical and dental clinics.

* Ask God to draw the patients to Himself as workers demonstrate His love in both word and deed.

* Thank the Lord for opening doors through practical means.

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

BE IT FOREVER understood that Jesus Christ never came into the world merely to explain what sin is…

Moses had for his mission the exposition of sin through the law; Christ has for His mission the eradication of it. Jesus did not apologize for sin; Christ never died so that sin might appear less sinful, that God might be less severe toward sin. Indeed, we never see sin to be so black as when we view its evil as revealed in the sufferings of Jesus, nor is God’s wrath ever more intolerable than when we behold it consuming His only begotten Son. No, Christ came to cure sin, not to cover over it, nor to make men forget the disease by drugging them with presumptuous thoughts of consolation but by absolutely removing that which is the cause of their dread and to make them whole. (Charles Spurgeon)

“It is not the healthly who need a doctor,

but the sick.”

Matt. 9:12

Share the Doctor with someone who is “sick”!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

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

and you will find Him

if you seek Him with all your heart

and with all your soul.”

~Deuteronomy 4:29~

Bucky and Colbye Erwins baby daughter arrived sometime Sunday night. I won’t attempt to spell her name because it has been several weeks since Bucky and Colbye told me the name. Thank God this young lady has arrived. Thank God for the Christian home she will have.

Bro. Bucky is the minister for youth and children at FBC, Kentwood.

Earlo LaBauve, Sharon Martin’s dad, had a stent put in his heart yesterday and was doing well. If all continued to go well last night, he will be released today.

Please continue to pray for Richard Dunn and his family during some difficult days.

Jason Alford had a MRI yesterday on his injured knee. He will get results Wednesday.

James Rimes shares this yesterday evening:

Larry Watts had carotid artery surgery this evening at St. Tammany Hospital. He is out of surgery and doing well. Please pray for him and the family as he faces by-pass surgery later
in the week.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is scheduled to leave rehab in Hammond and return to Line Creek Thursday. Let’s pray for her as she completes her last days of rehab.

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

THE DISCIPLES WERE no different than we are…

Get a group of people together in any organization and there is a power struggle. Someone wants to be the big shot or the one most honored and respected or just the one who gets to tell everyone else what to do. There is the organizational appointed leader and then there is a leader unofficially chosen by the group that is to be led.

Sometimes these two leaders are on the same sheet of music and cooperate well and other times it is an adversarial relationship. The group leader always instigates the old “us versus them” controversy. You know, labor versus management, deacons versus preacher or whatever the division is in the particular group. Sometimes the adversity is hot and livid and other times it is more of a passive aggressive situation. You always get a “Yes, Sir or Yes Ma’am”, but there is always a problem getting a project accomplished on time or correctly. We have all worked in shops or served in churches like that.

So here we have the disciples debating which one is the second in command since Jesus was the Master. Peter was vocal and the first to declare Jesus as the Christ. John was closest to Him and was known by them as the one that Jesus loved. The others gave forth all their strengths and reasons why they should be the elder or leader among them. They may have gotten into a heated discussion over this. Peter was a firebrand so I am sure he lit a few fires in the discussions.

As in all our disputes and reasonings, Jesus saw the core problem and used a child to illustrate the true way to greatness in the Kingdom. The way up is down. Jesus came here for the little guy. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Son of God, the Mighty Counselor and the Prince of Peace who left glory to die for creatures that in comparison to Him were bacteria and bad bacteria at best. He came into the world as the son of a poor carpenter and was laid in a manger or cow trough. He was living as a poor, itinerant preacher and even had a fish provide tax money for Him and His followers. Yet, His followers were arguing about how great that they were when in their countrymen’s eyes they were only poor, illiterate fishermen. The sheer gall of it all is mind boggling until you realize that we do the same thing. (Ronald Shultz)

“Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great'” (Luke 9:46-48).

Monday

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

~Matthew 1:29-30~

Judy Easley reports her new grandson, Tyler Easley, had a good first week at home. Pray for Tyler’s family as they continue to give him the special care he requires because of his premature birth. Thank God for the progress Tyler has made so far and for the way God has made His presence known to the family.

Mr. Bobby Raborn continues to do well as he continues to recover from double knee surgery.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer continues to improve. Pray for him as he tries to be patient with the speed of the recovery process.

A request has been made for prayer for Mr. Robert “Bobby” Thompson. Mr. Bobby lives in Amite and is married to Mrs. Ruby Thompson.

Sharon Martin’s dad, Mr. Erlo LaBauve, will be having some heart tests at North Oaks today. Sharon’s uncle will also be in North Oaks undergoing other tests. Please pray for these folks.

Pray for Alice Bankston, a teacher at Sumner, as she deals with newly diagnosed cancer. She’s was able to start school with her students Friday.

Pray for Bucky and Colbye Erwin as the time quickly approaches for the birth of their first child. Colbye is staying with her family in Mississippi to be near her doctor and hospital.

Pray for Karen Miller as she adjusts to a new position – secretary at Roseland Elementary. She is receiving on-the-job training because she was not hired in time to get the training before school started.

Please continue to pray for teachers and students as school will be underway in all area schools today. Pray for a minimum of interruptions so the maximum learning can be accomplished. Pray teachers and other staff members will be able to influence young lives in ways other than just material in a textbook.

Pray for AWANA as it begins next Sunday at FBC, Kentwood. Pray for all involved. Pray for Scriptures to be learned and applied to young lives. Pray for missions to be instilled in these children.

Children’s Choir will begin next month. Plan to add choir to the Wednesday schedule for your children and grandchildren.

Pray for how God would have you involved in On Mission in Kentwood on the 30th. There is an assignment for anyone who wished to participate – young, older, male, or female. Come receive a blessing as you bless someone else.

Big 10 from TeamRomany August 2008

1. FARM students complete their ministry assignments and return home this month. Please pray for them to finish strong. Thank God for the way in which they were able to enhance existing ministry and begin new ministry points. Thank God also for their own spiritual growth as they saw God use them to share His Good News in many communities. Pray also for Katie Steele, an American student summer missionary, who is serving in the Czech Republic. Pray that God will continue to provide opportunities for her to minister in Romany communities.

2. Thank God for the ministry of International World Changers (IWC) teams who served with teamromany in both Romania and Czech Republic this in July. They were able to open doors for ministry in new areas. They provided a positive witness for Christ and shared the Gospel with many. Thank God with us for changed lives as a number of Roma prayed to receive Christ. Pray for teamromany members as they provide follow-up.

3. Please pray for the Silbys as they begin language study, continue to get settled in and adjust to the culture.

4. Daniel’s car was broken into last month and he suffered significant material loss. Please pray for him as he clears up all the details from this event. Pray for him as he is hosting several volunteer teams this month.

5. The Banks family is thankful for God’s goodness to them. They are grateful for their new apartment in Brailia, Romania. The apartment and location are a great match for their needs.

6. Pray for the Banks family as they visit the villages of Viziru and Valea Canepii to follow-up on outreach work started by the Hills and Insuratiei mission pastor. Pray for protection, favor, and boldness to share the Gospel in these villages. Pray for the new believers to open their homes for Bible study and discipleship.

7. Pray for Tamara and Jennie as they begin a new year of homeschooling. Tamara will be teaching Wesley and Coulter and Jennie will be teaching Mallory, Miles, Madison, and Mason. Pray for the Silby children (Ryan, Elizabeth, and Hannah) as they begin new schools in the Czech Republic.

8. Pray for Cornel Tuns as he marries Erica Bartsch this Saturday. This is an answer to Cornel’s prayers. He’s thankful for God’s goodness.

9. Thank God that the Hatchels received their residency visas which are valid for one year. Please pray for the Hills as they begin the visa renewal process in Romania. Pray that the process will go smoothly and swiftly.

10. Pray for the Hills as they take a team of Romany young people on a mission trip to Sighisoara, Romania. Pray for that God will change the lives of both the youth participating in the project and the people they will minister to.

Thank you for praying with us and for us.

Teamromany

Wes and Tamara Banks – Romania

Daniel Byrd – Romania

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel – Czech Republic

Bob and Gayle Hill – Romania

Joe and Julie Silby – Czech Republic

Deacon Hospital Visitation this Week

David Alford
Jesse Dean

Please contact these men if you know of any need.

Margarette Catha

Margarette Catha, 93, died at her home in Cleveland, Tenn., on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. She was born on Aug. 5, 1915, in Kentwood, to the family of William Thomas and Mary Ann Catha. She worked as a clerk/stenographer in the Baton Rouge area with Charity Hospital, Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Public Welfare Office, Louisiana State Department, War Manpower Commission, U.S. Recruiting Department and Department of Employment in Cleveland and Chattanooga. In 1949, she began her work in Cleveland, Tenn., as the executive secretary to the Church of God, where she worked for 31 years. She retired at the 1980 General Assembly. She was a longtime member of the North Cleveland Church of God, where she once taught a children’s Sunday school class, was in the Crusaders Choir, was on the board for Women’s Ministries and was a member of the Unity Sunday school class. Survivors include several nieces and nephews in Florida and Louisiana; her special friends, Beulah Mae Murphree and Grace Golden, of Cleveland; and her caregivers, Cathryne Blocker and Ramona Hyberger; along with personal assistants and support from Amedisys Hospice. She was preceded in death by her parents; and four sisters, Leila Catha Langlois, Oris Catha Seefield, Loleat Catha Carlson, Grace Catha Gaines; and two brothers, Advil and Troy Catha. Celebration of Life service at Grissom Funeral Home, Cleveland, Tenn., on Monday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Mitch Maloney. Visitation begins at noon. Interment at the Woodland Memorial Cemetery in her home town of Kentwood, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, Attn. Margarette Catha Scholarship for Needy Children, P.O. Box 439, Sevierville, TN 37864 or the North Cleveland Church of God, Attn. World Missions Fund or the Building Fund, Cleveland, TN 37311.

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

Today

BEFORE ENTERING THE broadcasting field, Jim Valvano led the North Carolina State University basketball team to a national championship…

Then cancer developed in his lower back. Invited to address the Duke University squad, Jim had this to say: “Life changes when you least expect it to. The future is uncertain. So, seize this day, seize this moment, and make the most of it.”

God gives us an urgent directive in Hebrews 3:13, “Exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Why is there such a strong insistence on today?

It may be that today, this very day, could be the last one in our time here on earth. Today may be your last opportunity to obey God’s plan of salvation, or to share His love with a friend or loved one.

James has this warning about presuming upon our tomorrows: “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (4:14).

Seize the opportunities that God gives you today. That’s sound advice-not just for basketball players, but for all of us. (Vernon C. Grounds)

“You do not know what will happen tomorrow.

For what is your life?

It is even a vapor that appears for a little time

and then vanishes away.”

~Jas. 4:14~

Thank God for the slow, steady rain we are receiving this morning. Have a great week!

Don’t forget the associational church council meeting tonight at FBC, Kentwood. It begins with supper at 6 P.M.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus,

and you will be saved–you and your household.’

Then they spoke the message of the Lord to him

along with everyone in his house.”

~Acts 16:31-32, HCSB~

The following thank-you note is for members of First Baptist Church, Kentwood from Boyd and Jennie Hatchel:

Thank you for the generous gift from Vacation Bible School this year. We are honored to be considered your missionaries. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support of our ministry among the Roma.

The funds you gave provided for a number of great new initiatives for our team. Some of your funds are helping summer missionaries from Romania and America minister to Romany people in Brno. Some of your funds are helping with block party supplies like face paints, jump ropes, snacks, and sports equipment. Some of your funds are helping with follow-up visits in Ostrava from the work of International World Changers last month. Some of your funds are helping with the costs of a conference next month with our team members.

Prayers, encouragement, gift packages, and this gift are some of the many ways that you have shown your support and cooperation with our efforts. Thank you for your generosity, sacrifice, and service with our team. We are not your ambassadors – we are on the same team!

Blessings from Brno,

The Hatchel Family

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

Attention

GOD WAS ANGRY with their careless, shoddy methods of worship…

The animals they brought for sacrifice were not acceptable to Him because they were not the best of the herds and flocks. Instead, they offered stolen, lame, and sick animals.

While we may not be showing this degree of contempt toward God, sometimes we are too casual in our worship. A friend of mine made this observation about herself: “When I shop for simple things like soap or butter, I hardly think about it. But when I’m looking for a blouse to match a skirt, I shop very carefully. I go from store to store until I find exactly what I’m looking for.” Then she added thoughtfully, “I should pay that same attention when I am worshiping God. But sometimes I approach Him as casually as if I were shopping for a box of Kleenex.”

During our worship assemblies, we may fail to give God our full attention. We rush in late. Our thoughts wander. We need to discipline our minds so that we are not focusing on yesterday’s cares or tomorrow’s responsibilities. When we worship the Lord with all our heart, He will be pleased with us. (Dave Egner)

“You bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick. …

Should I accept this from your hand?” says the Lord.”

~Mal. 1:13~

Saturday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

I forgot to mention Joan Hagan’s doctor’s visit Monday. He said she is progressing as expected. Please continue to keep Joan in your prayers.

Pray for Randy Simpson as he continues to have difficulty with speaking and hoarseness.

Please continue to pray for Richard Dunn, Chuck Pittman, and others who are undergoing cancer treatment.

There will be no evening worship services at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow. The regular worship services which have been cancelled for the summer will resume August 17th,

The associational church council meeting will be at 6 P.M. Monday at FBC, Kentwood.

Children’s Choir will begin on Wednesday nights beginning Sept. 3rd. AWANA will begin with a party this week and regular meeting next week.

UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY

I heard recently about a man who filled his car with gas at a self-service gas station. After he had paid and driven away, he realized that he had left the gas cap on top of his car. He stopped and looked and, sure enough, it was lost.

He thought for a second and realized that other people must have done the same thing, and that it was worth going back to look by the side of the road since even if he couldn’t find his own gas cap, he might be able to find another one that fit.

Sure enough, after only a short time of searching, he found a gas cap. He carefully wiped it off and slipped it into place with a satisfying click.

He told his wife as he climbed back into the car, “I may have lost my gas cap, but I found another one that fits and it’s even a better cap than the one I had – it locks…”

Oops! A locking gas cap is a great idea — but only if you have the key that opens it! Understanding the Bible is much the same way. Remember when Jesus first began speaking in parables — his apostles came to him for an explanation. They wanted the “key”, and Jesus gave it to them. Jesus said, “”To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God.” (Mark 4:11).

The book of Revelation is a difficult (some would say impossible) book for people to understand, but it becomes a much easier task when you have the “key” explaining the symbolism of the numbers, colors and images found in the book.

Sometimes the ministry of Jesus is referred to as a “mystery”. Paul wrote often about the “mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19), the “mystery of Christ” (Col. 4:3), or simply “the mystery” (Eph. 3:9). The word “mystery” means that it was something that was “hidden” for a while. All through the Old Testament, God was preparing for Jesus Christ to come to this earth, but no one fully understood what that would mean. The prophets foretold his coming, but they didn’t fully understand (I Peter 1:10-12). Even the angels didn’t know what God had in mind. But we do. We understand the significance of the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Give thanks to God for “the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Blessings,

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

Jason Alford fell about ten feet while hiking in Rome, GA with his four year old daugher, Peyton. The ER doctor said Jason shredded the ligaments in his knee. He has a knee brace and crutches for now. A specialist will be contacted to determine what needs to be done next. Thank God for allowing Jason’s injury to not be any worse. Thank God Peyton was not injured. Pray for Jason as he deals with pain in the coming days.

Minnie Newell Hinson
(June 10, 1942 – August 8, 2008)

Minnie Newell Hinson
Minnie Newell Hinson was born June 10, 1942 and passed away at 5:35AM, August 8, 2008 at St. Tammany Hospital, Covington. She was 66, a native and resident of Hillsdale, LA. She was the daughter of the late Robert Alton & Jennie Bennett Newell.

She is survived by a Daughter; Robbin Hinson Capobianco-South Gate, Michigan. 3 Grandchildren; Krystle Sloan Worley-Walker, Jeffery Lynn Sloan, Jr.-Baton Rouge & Victoria Ann Sloan-South Gate, Michigan. 5 Great-Grandchildren; Madison King, Cooper Sloan, Camron Sloan, Cayden Sloan & Kylee Worley. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers; Robert “Butch” Newell & Herman Clifton Newell.

Visitation will be at the Hillsdale Baptist Church, Monday, August 11, 2008 from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM conducted by Rev. Daryl Miller. Interment in the Hillsdale Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of local arrangements.

I had a good first day with students at school today. I talked with several teachers and several students who also reported a good first day. Thank God for these good reports.

On Mission in Kentwood will be the last Saturday (August 30th) of the month. Plan now to be a part so you can make a difference in the lives of some people in the Kentwood area. You’ll be greatly blessed as you do so.

Happy weekend!

Anna Lee

Friday

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us,

for he allows us to be called his children,

and we really are!

1 John 3:1 (NLT)

School! Many area children will be beginning school today. Pray for them as they embark on a new educational year.

Don’t forget to pray for the important unspoken request from the McCain family.

Today, I want to focus much of The Prayer Link on believers and missionaries around the world. This give us a little glimpse into their prayer needs. As you read about each situation, please pray for all the similar situations around the world.

KOMpray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

August 8, 2008

“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

TIME FOR THE OLYMPICS

The 2008 Olympic Games have begun! Runners and swimmers, gymnasts and equestrians (they are the ones that ride horses) are all gathering in China. What about you? Are you and your family planning to watch the basketball or soccer tournaments? Everyone in the world is watching to see if their favorite team does well or to see how many medals their country wins. People have been planning a really long time to get ready for the Olympics. New buildings had to be built. Composers wrote special music, and directors planned the opening and closing ceremonies. Hundreds of people have been buying food and planning meals for the athletes. SOMEONE had to put sheets on a lot of beds. Whew, they have worked very hard just to get ready.Every time you watch the Olympics on TV, please pray for the athletes, the planners, and the visitors!

Did you know that thousands of Bibles and New Testaments will be given away during the Olympic Games? Fifty thousand copies of the books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John will be given to the athletes too. Please pray that people will read the Word of God and want to know more about Jesus.

Pray for Christians who are in China during the Olympics. They will get to tell people how much they love Jesus AND how much He loves them. Ask God to give them courage and the right words. Pray for Chinese Christians. There are about 1.3 billion people in China-that’s 1,319,175,332 and growing every day. Ask God to help Chinese Christians not be afraid but be bold in telling their friends and family about Jesus.

YOU SAW IT IN GA WORLD, July 30, 2008

Amanda Williams was featured in GA World/Children in Action magazine, and she had a prayer request. Do you remember praying for her? Here is that request:

Pray that people will know Jesus in our city. Pray that my friends at school will know Jesus, because we are the only Christians here. Pray for new churches. AMANDA, age 11 (Western Europe)

Amanda and her family say thanks for your prayers! Here is a quick update:

They just had an awesome Upwards Summer Basketball Camp with more than 100 children. Pray for all these children and their families. Most of them still do not Jesus.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray that national believers will not be shy about sharing their faith with others in their villages. Dillon, age 15 (West Africa)

I live in Argentina and many of the people there don’t know Jesus. For example if I’m on a bus with 100 people, only 3 of them know Jesus. Please pray for the people of Argentina. TORI, age 9 (South America)

My mom has had surgery. My brother and sister and cousin were in a car accident in America, and my cousin is in a coma. My brother and sister are fine. Please pray for my cousin. Many people that live around me are lost and please pray that I’ll be a good witness to them. Hinduism has many gods and the people believe there is a third eye on their forehead. VIOLET, age 10 (South Asia)

Please pray that the youth group at our church would grow. CALEB, age 16 (Pacific Rim)

Cyclones are dangerous in Madagascar, some people have died and others have lost their homes. Please pray for those who have been affected by the cyclones. PAUL, age 15 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray that I can help my parents lead people to Christ. CODY, age 13 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray for my friend that is working at a summer camp. Pray for a friend for me in India because all my friends are gone to the U.S. MARINA, age 10 (South Asia)

Melinda Russell passed these requests on for us to pray.

As you read the following email – please just begin to pray. Thank you for believing in the power of prayer and trusting our Father with all things.

We see how the enemy will use anything to discourage, frustrate or distract us from Kingdom work. Pray for us to be an encouragement to our families even miles away.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. We could not do this without you and our Great God – our Redeemer and Almighty Healer!

No matter what the outcome — May we all continue to give Him Praise, Glory and Adoration for He is our only hope!

Loving God’s Gypsies, Tamara for the Banks family (in Braila, Romania)

A great big “Thank You” to all of you praying friends who have lifting us up in prayer. An important decision has been reached concerning the direction of our ministry, and it has been accomplished because of the faithful prayers of God’s people. If we really knew the affect that our prayers have on us, on others, and on events, we would certainly make more and better use of it. If God’s people don’t or won’t pray—-who will? (Sorry, I slipped into my preacher role, I’m back now). What I mean is—-thank you for praying for us!! The decision has been made that we will move to Craiova, RO. We will join Bob and Diane Wagstaff in ministering to the 300K+ people of Craiova and the many people of the surrounding villages who do not know the Love of God shown by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross for the sins of the whole world. Our first prayer request is for you to go to the Lord daily for——-the Lost. They have no hope, but Jesus, and they don’t know Him as Savior and Lord, yet. Notice, I said yet. There is still time. “Today…harden not your hearts…. Come unto me…. Whosoever will, may come.”

After praying for the lost, please remember us in prayer:

for all of the CHANGES. We have gone through many big changes this year already, and here we go again for some more. We need HIS grace.

I was going to ask you to pray that God would provide for us with a furnished apartment BUT, before we could publish the need for your prayers, God has already answered. Bob and Diane Wagstaff have been apartment hunting for us in Craiova, and they were successful!!! They found us a large, furnished apartment that we could rent until the middle of December. Then we will stay in Bob and Diane’s apartment while they are on stateside assignment back in Texas.

This reminds me of the verse in Isaiah 65:24—“Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.”

When you are on God’s business—you are on God’s time, and He is in charge of every detail. Praise the Lord!!

for packing and moving. We will keep our IMB apartment in Bucharest and can leave there whatever we won’t need in Craiova, but what to leave and what to take can get sticky. We need His wisdom.

for our fellow missionaries in and around Craiova. They will have the additional tasks of getting us oriented and incorporated into the work. We all will need His patience.

and lastly, for Bucharest Christian Academy. Margie was slated to be their Art teacher this next year, but now she will not be able to do that. Please pray that all of the teachers they will need to teach all of the students that will come will be found and enlisted. This school ministers not only to the families of missionaries, but to the children of business and government leaders, etc. This school is like a little U.N., with people from all over the world affiliated. Pray for God’s abundant provision of good teachers.

“With this prayer letter, we will be signing off of Team Bucharest and will be joining Team Romania. You can look for us under that link on this website.”

Everyone we have talked to, who knows the Craiova area, has said that this will be a great challenge. The area has the reputation of being difficult and dark. SO, what does that mean for us and for you? We will need to be fully equipped Prayer Warriors every day or we may get run over. Will you arm yourself for the battle too? We are in a war for the souls of men and women. The kingdom of darkness has them held captive, and Jesus wants to deliver them and destroy the works of the devil. He wants them out of that dark kingdom into His glorious Kingdom of Love and Light. Will you help us in the battles? Will you pray? Thank you fellow soldiers.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Missionaries serving among the Fulbe/Futa Jalon people of Guinea ask: “Please pray for our 15-year-old daughter as she goes off to boarding school for the first time on August 11. She will be joining her older brother, who was there for the spring semester. They will be leaving their youngest brother back in Guinea, which will surely be a lonelier place for him without either sibling around. Please pray that our family will see God’s bigger picture.”

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, August 8, 2008

“…a great chasm has been fixed between us and you,

so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot;

neither can those from there cross over to us”

(Luke 16:26, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, simply encouraging you to pray. Occasionally, a missionary speaker or newsletter will strike a special chord; and I hear the words with sensitivity to the challenges missionaries face on the field.

“God is faithful. When the enemy is exposing and taking advantage of our weakness, when discouragement seems to overwhelm, our Lord is still near. When our reactions to trials are less than Spirit-led, He doesn’t turn His back, but patiently waits for us to notice His presence… and when we do, His grace is overwhelming….When I originally asked you to pray for us, I thought it would be in times like these I would be most determined to reach out, but it turned out … We just didn’t know what to say.”

Another missionary shared the emotions of first arriving on the field. “The Sahara Desert-I saw it and it didn’t look so bad. Of course, I was flying in an airplane high above the heat, drinking a soda, enjoying the air conditioning and watching a movie.” As time progressed, this missionary and his family faced sickness, loneliness, family issues in the United States, exhaustion, extreme heat, burn out, low response-they persevered despite serving the first ten years without a single convert.

Obviously, missionaries deal with emotional strain and discouragement; but hear what else they have to say. “Why do we do international missions? Why do we send men and women off to spend their lives at risk? We do it because being lost, apart from God, is the very worst human condition. Nothing is as bad as being separated from God.“

Missionaries are called of God to cross cultural boundaries and teach eternal salvation through Jesus. Missionaries are going, so what is our part? PRAY. Pray for missionaries to persevere and pray that the lost will accept salvation, crossing from death to God’s abundant life.

Please take time to read this Baptist Press article. It is an eye-opener!

TURKEY–Iranian couple dies from police attack. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28631

I hope you have taken time to soak in every word today. If not, please return to read, learn, and pray.

Anna Lee

Thursday Evening

Beth Brabham just called with the results of Kyle’s appointment this afternoon. Surgery is scheduled for August 14th to remove the place by his eye and September 8th to work on the places on his arm. They are thankful for these surgeries and how quickly they have been arranged. Please continue to pray for Beth and Kyle, as well as other members of the family, during this time. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.