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~

From James Rimes:

Mike Lee’s mother passed away yesterday morning.
Mike and his wife were in Tennessee but were to get back to Amite last night.

Mildred Lee Barclay

A native and resident of Amite, she died at 8:05 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2008, at Regency Hospital of Covington in Covington. She was 86. Mrs. Barclay was a member of Wilmer Baptist Church and Walter T. Ott, O.E.S. and was owner and operator of a dairy and cattle farm. She was known for her concern for neighbors, her uplifting laughter and being a avid reader. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from noon until religious services at 2 p.m. Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. Jason Skipper. Interment in Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Lee VanWoerkom and her husband, Rick, Waldorf, Md.; two sons, Dr. Jerry Lee and his wife, Pat, Baton Rouge, and Michael D. Lee and his wife, Theresa, Amite; a stepson, Owen Barclay, Amite; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; devoted caregivers and friends, Bernita Mason and Lisa Henderson. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Burdette Lee; second husband, Dave Barclay; parents, Thomas and Bertha Mulina; and four brothers and two sisters.


Earl G. “Blackie” Bennett

A retired welder and member of Local Union 198, he died Friday, June 13, 2008, in his home in Baton Rouge surrounded by his family. He was 90 and a native of Amite. Survived by his wife, Hazel Hughes Bennett; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Janice Godfrey, New Jersey, Deborah and Benny Langston, Independence, Toni and Darrell Boeneke, Baton Rouge, and Carmen and Mike Henderson, Brookhaven, Miss.; son, Earl N. Bennett, Alaska; 10 grandchildren, Bonnie Ehreneperger and Chandra Kay Balter, both of New Jersey, Ben and Danielle Langston, both of Independence, Jason Lofton, Baytown, Texas, Brandon Lofton, Wallisville, Texas, Courtney and Tiffany Henderson, both of Brookhaven and Maia Weber and Shane Bennett, both of Alaska; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Clayton and Lois Bennett; nieces, Pasty Woster and Linda Binder; nephews, Bobby Joe Bennett and Rodney Bennett; very special great-nephew whom he helped raise, Taylor Bennett, of Atlanta; many other nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Frank M. and Jennie W. Bennett; sister, Merele Fortenberry; and brother, Clyde Bennett. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Sunday, June 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Prayer given by the Rev. Bradley McKenzie and a eulogy by Pete Gremillion at 7 p.m. following prayer. Visitation on Monday, June 16, from 8:30 a.m. until religious service at 9:30 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Bradley McKenzie of First Church of the Nazarene. Graveside service at Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, at 12:30 p.m. Monday. Serving as pallbearers will be Darrell Boeneke, Mike Henderson, Taylor Bennett, Shane Bennett, Jason Lofton and Brandon Lofton. The Bennett family would like to express a special thank you to the Amedisys Hospice.

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

IN HIS BOOK Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business, Neil Postman warns us of the danger of a world of information overload…

He reminds us of a chilling futuristic vision-Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, which describes a world thoroughly flooded with information. But that data is manipulated so that none of it has any significance.

A glance at the Internet or a magazine rack hints that we are living in just such a culture. We’re drowning in a sea of information often marketed by the unscrupulous. We need discernment to choose wisely whom we will listen to.

In John 6, Jesus delivered His “I am the bread of life” message (v.35). It was a sermon so controversial that, at its conclusion, many of His followers went away and stopped following Him (v.66). They chose to stop listening to the voice of Christ. When Jesus challenged His disciples as to whether they would also walk away, Peter wisely responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (v.68).

In a world swamped with confusing and contradictory information, we can, like Peter, turn to Christ for wisdom. He cuts through the words of confusion with words of life. (Bill Crowder)


Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:67-69).

Remember, it is Sunday. Keep the Son in you day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.”

~Matthew 6:19-21, KJV~

 

 


The V.B.S. Family Night Program was wonderful. You could fee the excitement of the week of VBS. Parents and grandparents of the children were in abundance. I’m already looking forward to my next VBS! I’m sorry for those of you who do not get to participate in VBS. You’re missing out!

Thank God for the showers that were so needed. If you haven’t received one, maybe this will be the afternoon you get your turn.

I started reading the Baptist Press articles from the bottom of the list. Your heart will be blessed if you take the time to do the same.

Baptist Press
June 13, 2008

INDIANA–WRAP-UP: Messengers elect Johnny Hunt president, launch evangelism initiative. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28274

IOWA–Iowa facing ‘historic hydrological event.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28275

INDIANA–Weather affects registration total. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28276

INDIANA–Loving a leader is ministers’ wives’ topic. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28277

INDIANA–Cullen receives ministers’ wives’ award. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28278

INDIANA–Pastors’ wives hear from Donna Gaines. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28279

INDIANA–Top chaplain: Prayer keeps us on God’s agenda. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28280

INDIANA–Seminary luncheons draw alumni, guests. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28281

TEXAS–At 104, he aims ‘to be a blessing.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28282

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Tim Ellsworth): Hug your kids a little longer. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28283

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Dream again, Daddy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28284

INDIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Tony Kummer): It’s just a walk across the street. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28285

Ruby O. Hayden
(June 24, 1916 – June 12, 2008)

In loving memory of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ruby O. Hayden. She died on her wedding anniversary on June 12, 2008. She was born to Walter and Edith Ford almost 92 years ago on June 24, 1916. She is survived by her daughter, Bettie Ziebarth, her 2 grandsons, Wesley and Dale Ziebarth, and her granddaughter, Tona Phillips. She is also survived by 4 great-grandson, Brandon, Van, and Kevin Ziebarth and Jacob Phillips, 2 granddaughters, Brianna Ziebarth and Sara Phillips, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be sorely missed but not forgotten. Rest in Peace Grandmaw. We love you. Visitation at Oak Grove Church of Christ, Independence, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 11 a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth and Brandon Ziebarth. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

WATER AND DESPAIR FLOOD COLUMBUS, INDIANA
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains has deployed to Columbus, Indiana, approximately 40 miles south of Indianapolis. According to media updates, the floods have brought casualties, the hospital has been evacuated, millions of dollars of damage are estimated, and there are reports of looting arrests as residents attempt to dig out in the aftermath of the tragedy. It appears that most of the victims do not have flood insurance for their homes.

“We want to be a light in this community that was plunged into darkness and despair as the Haw Creek overflowed last week,” says Jack Munday, director of the Rapid Response Team. “In many cases people’s lives are shattered right now. Their homes are badly damaged or destroyed, along with the memories the home represents. Their feeling of safety and security is gone. They are badly in need of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.”

Please pray:

* for those who lost their homes
* for the patients and employees of the hospital that was evacuated
* that many will come to know Christ in the midst of sorrow

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze

Isaiah 43:2

Thank you for your prayers and support. We also greatly value your financial support.

*Online – https://www.billygraham.org/donate.asp?d=40

*Check or money order – Billy Graham Evangelistic Association,

1Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201

A PEOPLE OF OUR WORD

A duck walked into a feed store and asked the owner, “Do you have any duck food?”

The proprietor replied, “No, we don’t have any duck food.”

The next day the duck walked into the same feed store and asked the owner, “Do you have any duck food?”

The feed store owner was an ill-mannered, impatient man. He yelled at the duck, “I told you yesterday! We don’t have any duck food. Now get out of here and don’t come back or I’ll nail your webbed feet to the floor!”

Again, on the next day, the duck walked into the same feed store. This time he asked the store owner, “Do you have any nails?”

“Nope. We don’t have nails.”

“Then do you have any duck food?”

I suppose we’ve all made threats from time to time that we never intended to carry out. There have been many times I’ve heard a parent say to his or her child, “You better do this before I count to three or else!” only to count to three and, not seeing any response from the child, say, “This time I mean it — “You better do this before I count to three or else!” Our children catch on very quickly as to whether or not we intend to carry through on the promises and threats we make to them.

Sometimes things happen that keep us from following through on a commitment. But that should be the rare exception, not the rule. The apostle Paul wanted to make sure that the Corinthians knew the difference. He had told them that he intended to visit them twice, but he was only going to be able to see them once. Some of his critics used this as an opportunity to accuse Paul of being fickle and untrustworthy. Here’s Paul’s response:

“I had originally planned two great visits with you – coming by on my way to Macedonia province, and then again on my return trip….That was the plan. Are you now going to accuse me of being flip with my promises because it didn’t work out? Do you think I talk out of both sides of my mouth – a glib yes one moment, a glib no the next? Well, you’re wrong. I try to be as true to my word as God is to his…” (2 Cor. 1:15-18, The Message)

What a powerful statement to make — “I try to be as true to my word as God is to his.” Can we say the same? As Christians, we need to be known as a people of our word. We shouldn’t have to play word games like, “Well, if I say it like this, then I mean what I say, otherwise I don’t.” We need to develop a reputation for being a people of our word.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for being there to pray each day. Please feel free to share praises, requests, and updates so we can all pray.

Anna Lee

Friday

So don’t get tired of doing what is good.

Don’t get discouraged and give up,

for we will reap a harvest of blessing

at the appropriate time.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

Ruby Hayden
(June 24, 1916 – June 12, 2008)

Passed away Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the age of 91. Visiting will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, June 14, 2008 from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Loranger Cemetery. More details will follow when available.

Please pray for all the grieving families in our area. There have been numerous deaths lately. Each death touches many family members and friends.

The AGM I wrote about will be in Hungary, not Slovakia.

KOMpray


June 13, 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

I LIKE TO PLAY

Some of the people here in West Africa have asthma like me. When I found that out, it made it a lot easier to relate to them and have good relationships. People here have made up lots of games that are fun. One of the games is called “Yali Dor.” You start out by throwing a ball up in the air. When it comes down, everyone tries to kick the ball between someone else’s legs. If the ball goes through someone’s legs, they have to immediately try to run to base and while they are, everybody else tries to tackle him.I like to play soccer, too (they call it football here). I am usually a goalie and sometimes I even play on the field. My friends and I make slingshots out of sticks shaped like a “Y,” rubber strips from an inner tube, and pieces of the sole from tennis shoes. After we make them, we usually go hunting for 1 to 3 hours. Please pray for my friends that they will come to know and believe in Christ and that I can be a good witness to them. NATE, age 10 (West Africa)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for my brother to do well in school. CR, age 6 (East Asia)

I live in a big city, Lusaka. My family and I go to a Baptist church, and when the kids have children’s church, I go out with them, helping out, and playing guitar for them. I have a great Youth group there! I’m strongly thinking, and wanting, to go to a boarding school, in August. Pray that God will make it clear to me and my family whether I should go or not, and when I get there, that I survive for more than 3 months! ANNA, age 14 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray that God will give me wisdom as I decide what university to attend. Pray, too, that I will be diligent in my schoolwork. Ask God to help me be a witness always to those around me, every time I have an opportunity. NATE, age 17 (Pacific Rim)

My family serves in Zambia. Please pray that we will enjoy ourselves while in the United States. Please pray that we will make the most of our time with our relatives. In July we return to Zambia. Pray for help to serve and lead people to Christ. TROY, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I really like this devotional. It teaches us to be very careful in the way we handle little lives. We make lasting impressions, either positive or negative, on children.

PRICELESS SCRIBBLES

I saw this story this morning on eSermons.com and just had to share it with you:

Richard Fairchild tells about a story that appeared years ago in the Christian Reader. It was called “Priceless Scribbles.” It concerns a father who touched his child’s life in an unexpected way. A young boy watched as his father walked into the living room. The boy noticed that his younger brother, John, began to cower slightly as his father entered. The older boy sensed that John had done something wrong. Then he saw from a distance what his brother had done. The younger boy had opened his father’s brand new hymnal and scribbled all over the first page with a pen.

Staring at their father fearfully, both brothers waited for John’s punishment. Their father picked up his prized hymnal, looked at it carefully and then sat down, without saying a word. Books were precious to him; he was a minister with several academic degrees. For him, books were knowledge. What he did next was remarkable. Instead of punishing his son, instead of scolding, or yelling, his father took the pen from the little boy’s hand, and then wrote in the book himself, alongside the scribbles that John had made.

Here is what that father wrote: “John’s work, 1959, age 2. How many times have I looked into your beautiful face and into your warm, alert eyes looking up at me and thanked God for the one who has now scribbled in my new hymnal. You have made the book sacred, as have your brother and sister to so much of my life.”

The author of the story, now an adult, goes on to say how that hymnal became a treasured family possession, how it was tangible proof that their parents loved them, how it taught the lesson that what really matters is people, not objects; patience, not judgment; love, not anger.

“And you, fathers,

do not provoke your children to wrath,

but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

(Eph. 6:4)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


I hope you have had a great week. Now, I wish for you a fantastic weekend!

Anna Lee

Thursday Evening

Mary Alice Fox just reminded me that her pastor in Gastonia, NC will be traveling to Slovachia to speak at the AGM (Annual General Meeting) for our missionaries in that area). The Hatchels will be leaving in the morning. Rev. Jeff Long and his daughter left today. I think Bro. Jeff is the main speaker. Pray for them and all the others who will be working with the missionaries and MK’s next week. Thank God for the volunteers who go to all the regional AGM meetings to minister as medical staff, counselors, VBS workers, etc. Pray for safe traveling for all involved. The Hatchels will travel tomorrow.

Nancy Pledger sent an email saying two young men, Logan McConathy and Dakota Byrd, from FBC in Natchitoches will be volunteering in Romania. Isn’t it wonderful how God makes so many connections in our lives? I think it is a reassurance that many Christians are willing to go and do what they have learned at church and through Bible study. When Christians make themselves available to pray, give, and go they must be prepared for the assignment the Lord gives them. Thank God these two young me were willing to do more than just pray and give.

Thank God for the many youth and adults who gave love, time, and talents to make VBS possible this week. VBS doesn’t just happen! The VBS director this year was Judy Fowler. Please express your appreciation to her and all the others who made VBS possible. Pray for each family touched by VBS. Pray for the VBS efforts in other churches in the coming weeks.

Nanette McDonald McFerrin
(July 7, 1933 – June 11, 2008)

Died at 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at her residence in Greensburg, LA. She was a native of Greensburg, LA. Age 74 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Rodney Taylor. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg.

Thursday Afternoon

Vacation Bible School has been wonderful this week. Today, we had 125 children, plus the youth and adult workers. What a joy it was to participate in working with the children who made decisions to ask Jesus into their hearts today. Thank you so much for praying for the children as they received the plan of salvation today. Please continue to pray for them as they receive additional counseling and make professions of faith at our church and some other local churches.

The VBS family night program will be at 7:00 P.M. tomorrow night. Please plan to attend to encourage and support the children. There will be a fellowship time after the program.

This afternoon on the way home from VBS, I was involved in a fender-bender when someone missed a curve. Nobody was hurt. Thank God for protecting me today just as he protected David a few weeks ago.

From Laura Cutrer:

I would like to add the familes of Greg Fortinberry and Randy Fairburn to everyones prayer list. Greg is recovering from an automobile accident that accurred on Memorial Day and is still in the hospital and Randy is fighting cancer.

Ola Mae “Sugarfoots” Phillips
(August 27, 1923 – June 12, 2008)

Died on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at her residence in Magnolia, MS. She was a native of Washington Parish, LA. Age 84 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Milton Kliesch and Bro. Dennis Walker. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Bonnie Phillips, New Orleans, LA, Wendy Phillips, Magnolia, MS, 2 sons, Edward Phillips and his wife, Anita, McComb, MS, Patrick Phillips and his fiancee’, Janet Broome, Wesson, MS, son-in-law, William Rhodus, Isabel, LA, 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Betty Doris Kralicek, Choctaw, AR, Wilda R. Elarton, Osyka, MS, 1 brother, Nerlie Smith, Kentwood, LA. Preceded in death by parents, Nerlie Smith and Myrtle Bankston Smith, 3 brothers, Wilbern E. Smith, Wendell G. Smith, Bobby R. Smith, 2 sisters, Beatrice E. Smith, Arelia L. Gill.

Thursday

“But to You I have cried out, O Lord,

and in the morning my prayer comes before You.”

~Psalm 88:13~

I forgot to mention that Richard Dunn was able to come home until his next treatment. Please continue to pray for Richard, Kathy, and the other family members.

Today at VBS the children will have the plan of salvation presented to them. Pray for Bro. Joey as he talks to the children. Pray for the children. May what they have heard so far have prepared their hearts for the ABC’s of salvation.

OLYMPICS 2008. As the world counts down to the beginning of the Beijing Summer Olympics, many eager volunteers are also counting down to their involvement in Olympic-related ministries. Pray that God will guide and empower all who seek to serve Him through unique opportunities that are present. Pray that many Chinese people will lay hold of something that is even more precious than Olympic gold: salvation through Jesus Christ.

JAPAN. Mrs. K, who lives in a small town in Niigata prefecture, which borders the Japan Sea, is a widow with two children. All three of them are Christians. However, because she is a widow without any specific training, it is very difficult for her to get a job to support herself and her children. She reads her Bible and prays with her children, but there is not a Christian community to encourage her. Her home is surrounded by temples and shrines, fortune-tellers, etc. The people are very superstitious and suspicious of outsiders. They turn deaf ears to her witness and make fun of her. As she and a missionary went prayerwalking around her neighborhood, she indicated that there are no other believers near her home and people shun her because she is a Christian. Pray that Mrs. K will find strength through God’s Word and that she will look to Him daily for grace and provision. Intercede for Him to pour out His Spirit and blessing on her and her family, revealing Himself to be strong and mighty both to her and to those who live in darkness around her. http://www.jgpnetwork.org/

SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL (sahn-tah cah-tah-REE-nah). Over recent months, you have prayed for a new church plant among the middle/upper class in downtown Florianopolis. Missionaries Jim and Linda Malone are praising God for doors that are opening to reach professionals through weekly lunch meetings to which Brazilians come to practice their English. Pray particularly for the newest outreach that meets in a restaurant three blocks from their home and provides new contacts for the worship times on Saturday evenings in the Malones’ apartment. Also, Jim has been slowly developing relationships with the owner of a health club on the top floor of a nearby shopping mall and also with one of the elite personal trainers there. M, the owner of the gym, has been demonstrating more openness and friendliness week by week. P, the personal trainer, has been more of a challenge since he is not too sure about the “North American.” However, this relationship, too, is now showing more acceptance. Pray specifically that after nine months of “walking across the room” to these men, Jim will now be able to lead them to the place where they may begin a relationship with Jesus, be discipled, and become involved with the new congregation.

NAIROBI, KENYA (ny-ROH-bee). S is a strong Christian leader among the South Asian community of Nairobi, Kenya. For some time now, he has served the Nairobi community faithfully while having a good work opportunity; his family has remained in India. Last year he answered the Lord’s call to East Africa, and now he feels that his family needs to be with him. Pray that the Lord will provide sufficient work in order for his family to join him in Nairobi.

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

FOR YEARS I wondered why firefighters carried axes to the scenes of fires…

Hadn’t the fire done enough damage without chopping away at the remaining roof or walls? Then I learned that those axes serve a valuable purpose: They uncover smoldering hot spots that might later ignite. It keeps the firemen from having to return.

A famous passage in the Bible regarding fire is found in Jeremiah 20. Jeremiah had to confront strong opposition to the message he preached. And why did he preach that unpopular message? It was what the Lord gave him to speak. In verses 7 and 8 he described those who opposed him: “O Lord, you induced me, and I was persuaded; you are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; everyone mocks me. For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, ‘Violence and plunder!’ Because the word of the Lord was made to me a reproach and a derision daily” (NKJV). The prophet faced hecklers whenever he spoke, and it was getting wearisome.

Jeremiah resolved what any of us likely would have: “Then I said, ‘I will not make mention of him, nor speak anymore in his name'” (v. 9a). But that plan didn’t work for long: “… But his word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not” (v. 9b).

That kind of motivation to speak up for the Lord is needed in all ages. Jeremiah was not the first to face opposition for preaching the truth, and he wasn’t the last. But where was the “hot spot” in this man that compelled him to speak up for God when others fought him?

He pointed to the source in verse 11: “But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome one. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.” Beyond the daily frustration of fighting the enemies of God, Jeremiah could see the awesome Lord for whom he spoke. That was what kept the fire burning in his heart. That was how he could press on against such great opposition.

When problems come, we can’t help but focus on the problems. When they are especially large, we grow discouraged. But the same formula that worked for Jeremiah will work for us. By shifting our focus from the trials to the almighty God we serve, we’ll find new courage and energy. We’ll soon be able to exult with words like Jeremiah’s: “Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For he has delivered the poor from the hand of the evildoers” (Jeremiah 20:13). (Tim Hall @ http://www.forthright.net/)

Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not (Jer. 20:9).

What good advice: Don’t focus on the problems. Focus on God!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Evening

Lucille A. Newsom Bridges
 (November 14, 1921 – June 10, 2008)

Lucille A. Newsom Bridges was born November 14, 1921 in Easleyville and died June 10, 2008 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood, at the age of 86 years. She was the eldest child of Adolphus Newsom and Lizzie Mae Easley. She was a native and resident her entire life of Easleyville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, C. J. Bridges, a sister, Vera Christine Newsom, a brother, Bascom Newsom, two grandsons, Keith and Kevin Bridges, brothers-in- law and sisters-in-law, J. S. and Sybil Bridges, her husband’s twin brother, Will T. and Alice Bridges, Elaine and William Pittman, Rucie and John Crowell, Edward Tate, Mamie B. and J. T. Allen, Jack Bridges, Murphy Bridges and Minnie and Charles Bridges. She is survived by her two sons and their wives, Donald and Sheri Bridges and Kenneth and Shirley Bridges of Easleyville, grandchildren, Janie and Victor Falgout, St. Amant, Michelle Bridges of Slidell, Joni Lucille and Paul Elliott, Magnolia, MS, Kerry, Kris, Scott, William “Beau” and Ethan Bridges and K. C. and Dino McDaniel, all of Kentwood, step-grandchildren, Amanda Delaughter, John and Justin Coleman, Jackson, LA, great-grandchildren, Taylor Riley and Jordan Lee, St. Amant, Michaela, Madeline, Matthew O’Hern, McKenna Fortenberry, Slidell, Shawn and Shane Bridges, Jackson, MS, Kirstie Bridges, Denham Springs, Dalton, Katelyn, Jacie, Harlie, Cadie, Blake and Dalton Ray Bridges, Hannah, Savannah, Gary Dean and Kaleb McDaniel, all of Kentwood, step-grandchildren, Anthony Delaughter, Alexus Jones, Elizabeth Adams, Jada and Jordan Coleman, Jackson, LA, sister, Myrtis and John Parker, Easleyville, sisters- in-law and brothers-in-law, Inez Tate, Montpelier, Wilma and Harry Chand, Bonnie McMillian, Madine Lambert and Polly Bridges, all of Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Ronald McMillian, Mitch Bridges, Shelton Pittman, Johnny Pittman, Wesley Parker, Mike Lambert, Gary Wayne Bridges and Joe Allen. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious servies at 1 p.m. on Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Billy Galloway. Interment will follow at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood.

Clarence Warren “CW” Kemp
(September 2, 1918 – June 11, 2008)

Mr. Clarence Warren “CW” Kemp died Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at his residence in Chipola. He was 89 and a native of Norwood. He was a retired boilermaker and a lifelong resident of St. Helena Parish. Visitation will at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM, Saturday, June 14, 2008. He is survived by 2 Daughters; Sarah Kemp, Chipola, Becky Foster, Little Rock, Ark.; Son, Jonathan Kemp, Amite; 6 Grandchildren, Tommy, Daniel and Katie Foster, Little Rock, AR, Alana Richardson, Tampa,FL., Kristy and Joshua Kemp, Amite. Preceded in death by Parents, Clarence Warren & Lillian Freeman Kemp; Wife, Joyce Melven Kemp, Sister, Louise Kemp. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Vital Hospice, 1320 N. Morrison Blvd.,Hammond, LA 70401 or Charity of your choice. An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com. Funeral Home is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

From Harrell and Susie Sharkey:

We are saddened to inform you of the death of NC Renewal Coordinator, Grady Lloyd. He lost his battle with cancer and went home to be with Lord last night. Please keep his wife, Babs, and their family in your prayers as they deal with this loss.

Another email will be sent when funeral arrangements have been made.

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God,

even our Father; which hath loved us,

and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope

through grace, comfort your hearts . . .
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Thank God for this one who was willing to share his testimony with others. May the life he lived and the witness he bore continue to touch others.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Michael Douglas Hyde
(July 31, 1958 – June 5, 2008)

Michael Douglas Hyde, 49, died at his residence in Delray Beach, FL on June 5, 2008. He is survived by a son, Michael Devin Hyde, a daughter, Calyn Virginia Hyde, and a grandson, Connor Gage Hyde, all of Folsom, a step-son, Bryan Tyrney of Mobile, AL, two sisters, Cheryl H. Pierre of Loranger and Miriam “Patti” Tyler of Kentwood and two nieces, Michelle Carrier and Claudia Pierre of Loranger. He was preceded in death by his father, Sgt. Oliver Douglas Hyde and mother, Virginia Till Hyde. Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 10 a.m. at Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough.

Russell Joseph Johnson, Jr.
(July 28, 1951 – June 10, 2008)

Russell Joseph “RJ” Johnson, Jr. passed away on June 10, 2008 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was an avid soccer and baseballe coach in the Independence area. He was a graduate of Independence High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. he was employed for 35 years with AT&T. He was the owner of Johnson’s Trophies and Gifts. He is president and co-founder of the North Tangi Youth Soccer Association. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Independence Council #5627 and Telephone Pioneers. He was also the soccer coach for Independence High School. He is the beloved son of the late Russell and Anna Bravata Johnson of Independence. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Adra Ledbetter Johnson of Independence, two sons, Russell Johnson, III and Brett Adam Johnson, two daughters, Lauren Wong and Megan Orlando, all of Independence. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Mary Grace Bravata, Joyce and Leon Chambers, Davis Johnson, Joe John and Virginia Bravata, Philomena and Red Bravata, Bertha Rochefort, Kenny Johnson, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Friday. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence.

Wednesday

“Lord, I have called daily upon You;

I have stretched out my hands to You.”

~Psalm 88:9b~

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, June 11, 2008

“[I pray] that the eyes of your heart

may be enlightened so you may know

what is the hope of His calling,”

~Ephesians 1:18a, HCSB~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for our field personnel that they will stay focused on their high calling.

Recently, I had the glorious and exhausting experience of cooking a three-course international meal from scratch. As I prepared, God reminded me of life on the field. On the one hand, I did have to be extra creative to find the right ingredients or substitutes that would not spoil the overall effect. On the field, the unusual foods were right there in the market. However, that other hand kept smacking me in the face.

Here, I drove from store to store locating chickpeas that can be eaten like nuts and the variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that made the table pop with color. On the field, I walked to the market, went to several different vendors, and slowly carried the heavy bags home. The fresh foods were cleaned in bleach water. Here, I bought meat wrapped in cling wrap and felt confident the meat was fresh. On the field, I looked for the hoof of a cow or a sheep to identify the slab sitting out under the hot sun. The meat was hacked off with an axe, and I lugged it home to clean out the bone shards and trim the fat. Here, it got pretty hot in the kitchen as I prepared soup, baked bread, seared the meat; but all I had to do was lower the thermostat to make things comfortable. On the field during the one hundred degree days, there was no air conditioning and frequently no electricity to run a fan.

God reminded me of the challenges, but He also kept placing the faces of national friends on my heart. They struggled daily with financial and physical strain but were only beginning to understand their spiritual weakness. These friends had heard the name of Jesus; but before field personnel came to their city, they had not heard the Truth.

* Please pray for the lost that their hearts would be open to hearing God’s Word.

* Ask God to bring a cooling breeze into the lives of those living in harsh summer conditions.

* Intercede for missionaries that their focus will remain on Jesus rather than circumstance.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (prahg). Members of the Prague Mega-City Team will join others from the Central Europe Field (CEF) this month for their annual general meeting. This will be a time of worship and fellowship together and opportunities to become better equipped for future ministries. As these IMB representatives meet, pray that their hearts will be ready to hear a word from the Lord, that they will be encouraged, and that they will have wisdom as they make strategic plans for starting churches. Pray for the volunteers from the United States as they prepare to minister. Pray also for the volunteers who will care for the children of the representatives. Pray for safety for IMB representatives and volunteers as they travel to and from this meeting. Pray that they will return to their areas of ministry refreshed and renewed, and ready to face the tasks God has given them. http://www.pragueteam.org/

Please be in prayer for the US volunteers flying to Hungary to minister to our children and us at our annual meeting. We just received the prayer request below for one volunteer’s son. Please pray for the Zinke family and the son as he recovers from a motorcycle accident. Thank you!

Melinda

Regina Zinke who was coming to work with the 7-9 year olds (Miles Haltchel’s class) is not able to come as her son was in a serious motorcycle accident yesterday. He has been unable to move his legs and that is all we know at this time. Please be praying for his complete recovery.

KENYA. “A miracle unlike anything I have ever known” is the way that one woman displaced by the recent post-election chaos in Kenya describes her return home last month. This woman, who has been attending a church in Nairobi during her time of being displaced, shared this testimony one week with the church that has offered her a temporary home: Trusting God that it was safe, she travelled last month to check on her Rift Valley farm for the first time since fleeing for her life in January. As she approached her house, a member of the ethnic group that had caused her to flee ran to meet her. Asking for her forgiveness, he said he had taken her donkeys, mattresses and chickens. With a repentant heart, he asked to return all her things at once. Accepting his apology, the woman shared that she had only come to see if she could return, which she now knew she could do! The man agreed to continue caring for her things until she returned home permanently. In this beautiful part of Kenya, where one can see for miles on a clear day or night, pray that this Christian woman will truly “shine like stars in the universe” as she holds “out the word of life” (Philippians 2:16) when she returns home to live among those who caused her to flee. http://omba4kenya.blogspot.com/

Big 10 from teamromany June 2008

1. Please pray for Lisa Kail and her team from Gibson County, Tennessee who will be leading a camp from Romany youth in Romania June 29-July 5. Pray that the teens who will attend will be encouraged and challenged to grow in their faith. The campers will be sharing their faith in communities near the camp. Please pray that those who hear the gospel will respond in faith.

2. Please pray for our team as we make final preparations for FARM 2008. Pray that the summer missionaries will be blessed and will be a blessing to others in the areas where they will serve.

3. International World Changers volunteer teams will serve with teamromany in both Romania and Czech Republic this summer. We will have nearly 300 students serving alongside us. Pray for us and for the leaders in the US as we make final preparations for these events.

4. Please pray for the Banks family as they move to Braila and begin serving with teamromany. Thank God with us that He provided a nice apartment for them. Pray for the Hills as they help the Banks in this time of transition.

5. The enemy is working hard to destroy, discourage and divide some of our national partners. Please pray that God would reconcile, rebuild, and restore.

6. Please pray for Katie Steele, a student summer missionary from Missouri who will serve in the Czech Republic. Pray that she will develop meaningful relationships with Romany girls that will allow her to share her faith.

7. Pray for the Silby family as they continue orientation in Virginia in preparation for joining us in the Czech Republic. Pray for them as they say good-bye to extended family and friends in the US.

8. Pray that we will be able to find a suitable apartment for the Silby family. Rental property in Brno is scarce.

9. Please be in prayer for American students who will attend Lifeway’s Centrifuge camps this summer. Their missions’ emphasis will be on the Roma. Pray that those who attend will learn more about the Roma, be encouraged to pray more for the Roma, and will give generously to the missions offering.

10. Please pray for Daniel as he returns to Romania. Thank God for the opportunities he has had to share about God’s work among the Roma while in the US. Pray for Daniel’s strength and energy as he will be hosting 3 volunteer teams in the first three weeks he is back on the field.
—
Blessings,
Jennie

‘Give It Away,’Gaither tells Baptists
By Erin Roach

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)–Bill Gaither of gospel music’s Gaither Vocal Band told Southern Baptists the answer to the nation’s economic pressures is not a political solution but a spiritual solution based on God’s people learning to “give it away.”

“I think it starts with us, and I think when the church of Jesus Christ gets organized, we’ve got the resources to do it, and we can do it when we put our heads together,” Gaither told messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in Indianapolis June 10.

As part of the Executive Committee’s morning report, the Gaither Vocal Band emphasized stewardship by singing their hit song “Give It Away,” and then Gaither spoke briefly about the importance of giving.

He said he and his wife Gloria still live in the same house about 50 miles north of Indianapolis where they lived as schoolteachers during the first decade of their 45-year marriage.

“We’ve tried to model for our three kids and now they’re trying to model the same thing for their kids the joy of giving, and I’m convinced that when we find the joy of giving we will find the joy of living. It’s built into the universe,” Gaither said.

“My granddad told me this years ago and my dad told me the same thing, ‘Bill, you’ve got to make up your mind. There are two kinds of folks in the world, takers and givers,'” he added.

The lyrics to the song Give It Away include: “If you want less lonely and a lot more fun and deep satisfaction when the day is done, throw your heart wide open and give it away. If you want more happy than your heart can hold, if you want to stand taller, if the truth were told, take whatever you have and give it away.”

In remarks to Baptist Press backstage, Gaither, a member of the Church of God, said he has “felt right at home” with Southern Baptists since the beginning of his singing career and didn’t mind emphasizing stewardship during his time at this year’s convention.

“You don’t follow Jesus very long until you get into the area of giving. It’s all about giving. In fact, He says, ‘Come follow Me and die,'” Gaither said. “By the time we’re done, we’ve given it all away. We’ve spent everything we’ve got. We’ve spent every bit of energy we’ve got, we’ve spent every bit of resources we’ve got, we’ve spent every bit of health we’ve got.

“It’s over, and we go home to be with Him,” Gaither said. “That’s the basis of it. That sounds rather tough, but in the long run it’s the only way to joy and real happiness and total fulfillment.”

Gaither said he is grieved by what he called the tragic pursuit of happiness at all costs that is so evident in today’s culture. Jesus, he noted, said anyone who wants to save his life must lose it.

“That is total giving,” Gaither said. “I think somehow we’ve got to start teaching our young kids at a very, very early age the importance of giving. We’re not going to live until we learn how to give.”

A model for giving was set by his father and grandfather as he was growing up, Gaither told BP.

“I never saw two people who lived for others like they lived for others,” he said.

Gaither remembers witnessing his grandfather signing his name to the church mortgage note, taking responsibility to keep the doors of the church open, he said.

“But it didn’t stop at the church. It went home with little deeds of kindness in the community,” Gaither said. “When my dad passed away at 91, the community people said, ‘I don’t know what we’re going to do now without George here removing our snow during winter.'”

Onstage, Gaither told Southern Baptists he often advises young musicians to examine their lifestyles and make sure they don’t buy cars or houses they can’t afford.

“Save something to give away. A tenth is just the beginning, and after that there’s so much joy in learning how to give,” he said.

At Gaither Vocal Band concerts, Gaither said they’ve been giving away $1,000 each night to five different people, and they ask those people to take the money back to their communities and give it away.

“Giving is the Christian theology lived out at its fullest,” Gaither told BP.

The SBC Executive Committee’s stewardship division has emphasized in recent years “It’s a New Day,” a financial freedom initiative intended to help church members get out of debt and learn to manage their finances according to the counsel of God’s Word.

Erin Roach is a staff writer for Baptist Press. For more information, visit www.sbc.net/newday.

If you are interested in reading about the SBC annual meeting, click on “Baptist Press” at the right.

Pray for day 3 of VBS. All seems to be going well. I’m having fun in the missions classes.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Russell Joseph Johnson, Jr.
(July 28, 1951 – June 10, 2008)

Died on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. He was a native and a resident of Independence, LA. Age 56 years. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Charles Joseph O’Malley, Jr.
(April 10, 1924 – June 9, 2008)

Died at 3:36 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2008 at his residence in Montpelier. He was a native of Morgan City. Age 84 years. Visitation will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 10 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 10:30 a.m. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. He is survived by his daughter, Anna M. Mumfrey and her husband, David J., Metairie; sister, Margaret Hingle and her husband, Walter, New Orleans; 2 brothers, Gerald O’Malley and his wife, Mary, Montpelier and Floydd McCann and his wife, Marie, Chalmette; 2 sisters-in-law, Beverly O’Malley, Oklahoma and Karen O’Malley, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his 3 brothers, Melvin O’Malley, Nickie O’Malley and his wife, Virgie and Pat O’Malley.