Thursday

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!

As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

~John 20:21 (NIV)~

 

 

Deacon Hospital Ministry

  • Robert Wilson
  • Tom Brister

Nursery Volunteers for 5-25-08

  • Bobby Raborn
  • Wanda Miller
  • Susan Rimes
  • Paul Scott Schwartz

VBS Registration

  • June 1 & 8
  • Before worship service

On Mission in Kentwood

  • Saturday, 5-24 @ 8:00
  • Everyone can participate.

Graduate Sunday

  • May 25

VBS Needs

  • Pre-sweetened Kool-aid
  • Cookies

Annie Armstorng

  • Given – $12,505.30
  • Goal – $13,000.00

Baby Shower

  • Elisabeth H. Sanders
  • June 1
  • 2-4 P.M.
  • Fellowship Hall

THE WORTH OF A SERMON A couple of “preacher jokes” for you:

One Sunday morning, a preacher cut his face while shaving, and he placed a band-aid on the cut. After a longer-than-usual sermon, he explained, “In case you are wondering what happened to my face, while shaving I was concentrating on my sermon and I cut my face.” Afterwards, a woman said to him, “Next time, concentrate on your face and CUT THE SERMON.”

The minister selected a fifty-cent item at a convenience store, but discovered he didn’t have any money with him. “I could invite you to hear me preach in return,” he said jokingly to the owner, “but I’m afraid I don’t have any fifty-cent sermons.” “Perhaps,” suggested the owner, “I could attend twice.”

That raises an interesting question — how much are sermons worth? I can honestly say that some of mine have not been worth nearly as much as others. But if a sermon has effectively communicated the truth of God’s Word in such a way that we are led to understand better and to make application in our lives, then it is worth a great deal.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'” (Rom. 10:14-15)

Have you told your preacher lately what good-looking feet he has?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Count your blessings today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

And we know that God

causes everything to work together

for the good of those who love God

and are called according to his purpose

for them.

~Romans 8:28 (NLT)~

Melvin Leonard Varnado
Melvin Leonard Varnado, 78, was born May 20, 1929, and passed away Monday, May 19, 2008, at his home in Denham Springs. He was a native of Kentwood. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gloria “Jackie” Cowart Varnado; four children, his sons, Kenneth Varnado and wife Janet and Richard Varnado and wife Jean, all of Denham Springs, his daughters, Rhonda Varnado LeBlanc, of Denham Springs, and Susan Varnado Scardina and husband Bryan; honorary daughter and grand-daughter, Chong-Sun Ahn and Jean-Sun Ahn, of Seattle; brother, Carlton Varnado and wife Reona, of Baton Rouge; sisters, Norma Nell V. Fussell, Carlene “Toddy” V. Brumfield and Alta Mae V. Daniel and husband Bob, all of Baton Rouge; nine grandchildren, Scott and Kyle Varnado, and Matthew, Joshua and Riley Varnado, all of Denham Springs, Maverick and Benjamin LeBlanc, of Dutchtown, and Tyler and Rachel Scardina, of Denham Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents, T.C. and Irene Varnado, of Kentwood; brothers, Harold Thomas, Sheldon and Landon Varnado; and sisters, Viola “Poolie” Hill and Mildred Miscar. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Denham Springs for more than 50 years. He served his country in the U.S. Navy and retired from his own business, Leonard’s Plumbing, at age 65. He cherished being a husband, father and grandfather to his family and relished time spent fishing with friends. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, on Wednesday, May 21, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at First Baptist Church, Denham Springs, on Thursday, May 22, from 9 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. James Spillman. Burial in Evergreen Memorial Park, Denham Springs. Pallbearers will be his eight grandsons, Scott Varnado, Kyle Varnado, Matthew Varnado, Joshua Varnado, Maverick LeBlanc, Benjamin LeBlanc, Riley Varnado and Tyler Scardina. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Reid Sr., Reymond D’Armond, Sam Williams, A.J. Lavigne, C.J. Rushing, Gary Pertuis, Cart Varnado and Bob Daniel. The family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Please continue to pray for the Rhodus, Hart, and Varnodo families.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, May 21, 2008

“The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them” (Psalm 34:7, NKJV)

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, praying with you for our brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution.

A house church meeting was interrupted by a crowd of Muslim men. The instigator of the mob spoke, “You should not be teaching these things! You cannot convert Muslims to Christianity!” He was angry because his 17-year-old son had recently accepted Jesus as Savior, and had been baptized. His son and a friend were sharing the truth they had learned with others in the community. The mob slapped and beat the church leader, and ultimately reported him to the police. The leader was baffled. “I was doing nothing wrong. I wasn’t forcing anyone. All of these men had already given their lives to Jesus. I was just teaching them.” The police breathed extortion, and in fear, too little faith, and a mistake in judgment, a bribe was paid.

For a Lozi school teacher named M, becoming a Christian has threatened his job. The headmaster at M’s school is a member of a cult that does not believe in Jesus as the only way to salvation. The headmaster is very upset that M has joined a Baptist church. Now the headmaster is spreading lies: He is accusing missionaries of coming to steal and kill the school children, and is telling others that the Baptist church members are really Satan worshippers. He makes M’s personal and professional life very difficult. Pray that M will continue to stand firm in his faith.

*Please pray that God will grant wisdom to those sharing Jesus in their oppressive communities and that they will not give in to extortion.

*Ask the Lord to send His angel to camp around these believers and to protect them from all physical, spiritual and emotional attacks.

*Intercede for the angry mob members and the headmaster that they will come face to face with the living God, bowing the knee in surrender to Jesus Christ.


KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
PSYCHOLOGISTS TELL US that one of the deepest urges in human nature is the craving to be appreciated…

Thus, we contribute immeasurably to the happiness and success of others when we express appreciation for their work and worth.

We are also advised that the giving of sincere praise brings out outstanding benefits to the one who gives it. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to our own happiness and success when we express appreciation for others.

Observation teaches that the most successful people have mastered the art of giving praise.

Giving honest praise is like “saying grace” at the table…very difficult to start, if it hasn’t been our pattern. Here are some guidelines to get one started.

1. Look for little things for which you can express appreciation. We tend to wait for colossal achievements before uttering one word of commendation or encouragement. Rare and refreshing is the person who goes on a “treasure hunt” searching for little things to praise.

2. Look for things close at hand for which you can express appreciation. The human tendency is to see glamour in things at a distance and defects in things close at hand. It doesn’t take much sense to find fault with things and people close by. Conversely, it requires sensitive perception to detect the genuine worth of nearby treasures.

3. Voice your appreciation. It isn’t that we don’t appreciation others…it’s just that, for some unknown reason, we are hesitant to voice that feeling. It is necessary to say nice things to have them do good…not merely think them. By not acting quickly to praise one for his work the impulse often fades away.

It may well be that one of the greatest duties you can perform this day will be speaking a word of appreciation. (John Gipson)

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thess. 5:14).

I appreciate your prayers for various needs each day! I appreciate those who inform me of needs. I appreciate those who encourage me.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Dear friends, never avenge yourselves.

Leave that to God.

For it is written,

“I will take vengeance;

I will repay those who deserve it,” says the Lord.

~Romans 12:19 (NLT)~

CHINA. Rescuers are racing against time to save tens of thousands of people still trapped under collapsed buildings following the massive May 13 earthquake in Sichuan province. Several cities surrounding Chengdu suffered tremendous loss of life and property when the quake struck. Fatalities are now expected to reach 50,000 and 4 million homes have been demolished. As aftershocks continue and rescuers face monumental challenges in extracting people from beneath tons of collapsed concrete, hopes are dimming for many trapped inside the buildings. Pray that even in the midst of tragedy, the God of miracles will work in ways that will bring great glory to Himself. Pray that all who seek to provide assistance will be aware of a much greater power at work, and will depend on Him. Pray that survivors, rescuers and observers will long for a relationship with the one and only true God who can comfort them in times of need, provide for them throughout life, and give them eternal life.

LAST FRONTIER. Those serving among a Last Frontier people group write: “We ask you to pray for our team of national believers and missionaries as we begin discipleship training for team members so that we will be ready to disciple new believers. Pray that any language barriers will not create confusion and that the Father will be honored during these times of training.”

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. As a result of a governmental treaty between the United States and France, missionaries Ron and Lisa Jones have recently learned that they must leave Reunion Island in September 2008 for a year. Please join Ron and Lisa in prayer as they seek the Lord’s will in where He would have them to go and serve during this time. In addition, pray that the Lord will give them peace as they leave the people they have come to love, and an extra measure of grace as they deal with the many adjustments they will encounter as they learn to serve in a different country and among a different people group. Most importantly, pray for the new work they have just started in the southern part of the island, asking that the Lord will call out someone to work in that area that has such a great need for an evangelical witness.

Baptist Press Articles

I urge you to read both of these articles. Your heart will be blessed.

FLORIDA–Thousands celebrate lives of Forrest, Preston Pollock. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28085

LOUISIANA–Extreme Makeover blesses Katrina-ravaged church. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28086

From Lifeway:

Salvation Through Christ: A Matter of FAITH


Jesus loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you.

In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to get to heaven and have eternal life?

Here is how the Bible answers this question. It is answered in one word and the word is FAITH.

F Is for Forgiveness

*
Everyone has sinned and needs God’s forgiveness. Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
*
God’s forgiveness is in Jesus only. Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”

A Is for Available

*
God’s forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16: “God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
*
God’s forgiveness is available but not automatic. Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”

I Is for Impossible

*
According to the Bible, it is impossible to get to heaven on our own. Ephesians 2:8-9: “By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.”
*
So how can a sinful person have eternal life and enter heaven?

T Is for Turn

*
If you were going down the road and someone asked you to turn, what would he or she be asking you to do? (Change direction) Turn means repent. Turn away from sin and self. Luke 13:3: “Unless you repent, you will all perish as well!”
*
Turn to Jesus alone as your Savior and Lord. John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
*
Here is the greatest news of all. Romans 10:9-10: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.”

What happens if a person is willing to repent of their sins and confess Christ?

H Is for Heaven

* Heaven is a place where we will live with God forever. John 14:3: “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.”
* Eternal life begins now with Jesus. John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

H can also stand for how.

How can a person have God’s forgiveness, eternal life, and heaven? By trusting Jesus as your Savior and Lord. You can do this right now by praying and asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins and inviting Jesus into your heart.

Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Get to know Him better in a number of ways:

* Follow Christ’s example in baptism.
* Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
* In your church, get involved in Sunday School and Bible study.
* Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.


F – Forgiveness

A – Available

I – Impossible

T – Turn

H – Heaven/How

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon – Obituaries

 

Randy Roy Hart
(December 10, 1952 – May 19, 2008)

Randy Roy Hart, 55, died Monday, May 19, 2008, at Hood Memorial Hospital. He was a resident of Kentwood, LA. He was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church and music minister at East Fork Baptist Church. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood, on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and at East Fork Baptist Church on Thursday, May 22, 2008, at 9 a.m. with religious services at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. Howard Brister and Dr. Danny Smith. Interment at Spring Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Corkern Hart, aunt, Elaine Hart McElveen and her husband, H. Brooks McElveen, cousins, Robbin Graham, Carlus Graham Stewart, Peggy Hart Frederick, Sherryl Licause, Karen Beaumont, Dr. Carol Herring, Gregg McElveen, David McElveen, Dawn McElveen Hunt, and fiancé, Ruth Lewis Stoudenmier. He was preceded in death by his father, Murriel Leroy Hart, fraternal grandparents, Verda Strickland Hart and F. G. Hart, maternal grandparents, Velma Schilling Corkern and J. F. Corkern and uncles, Dr. Wayne F. Hart and Dr. Randall Corkern, and aunt, Carol Corkern Graham.

Zettie Janette Raybourn Rhodus
(November 14, 1935 – May 18, 2008)

Died at 12:38 a.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was a native of Marian County, MS and a resident of Kentwood. Age 72 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. She is survived by her daughter, Tresa Rhodus, Kentwood; son, Willis Michael Rhodus, Sr., Kentwood; 2 grandsons, Willis M. Rhodus, Jr., Kentwood and Wendell Scott Rhodus, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Viola Jones and husband, Darrell, Brusly and Bonnie Crawford, Gillsburg, MS; 3 brothers, James Raybourn, Gillsburg, MS, Percy Raybourn and wife, Pat, Mt. Hermon and Adren Raybourn and wife, Jannice, Sunny Hill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis D. “Red” Rhodus, Jr.; grandson, James Rhodus.

Monday

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their sins,

your Father will not forgive your sins.”

~Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)~

 

 


Susan Rimes asks for continued prayers for her sister, Lisa Davis of Arkansas, who has been fighting cancer.

Joan Hagan asks for prayer for her grandson, Ethan O’Brian of Greensburg, who will have tonsil, adenoid, and ear surgery.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Monday, May 19, 2008

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for those in Cambodia who are facing economic challenges.

In the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodians experience brown-outs lasting several hours each day in order to conserve electricity during these hottest months of the year. For this growing urban environment, there is not enough electricity to go around. (In the countryside, there is no electricity!) Although the lights go out often in the capital, the light of the gospel is still being spread.

“Gas is so expensive,” is the repeated refrain of every Khmer motorcycle-taxi driver in Cambodia. It is no longer a 15- or 25-cent ride to the market. In addition, the price of rice, cooking oil, and propane gas have all risen. The young women working at the local garment factories have turned to eating French bread instead of their staple, rice, because of the cheaper cost.

Several believers have been struggling in their walk with Christ to have integrity. With the rising costs of food and fuel, they have yielded to temptation and have begun selling things that were meant to be given to the poor.

*Please pray that God will convict them of sin, and show them His daily provision for their needs. Pray that they will be a light for Christ instead of aligning with those who want to take advantage of the desperate and poor.

*Pray that nothing will hinder God’s Word from entering the hearts and lives of Cambodians in Phnom Penh and around the country.

*Give thanks to the Lord that His Word is never too costly for the Khmer people. Pray that many will treasure the free gift of His Word to everyone.

While praying today, please do not forget those in Cambodia and China. Below is an update on those facing recovery from the earthquake.

CHINA. Rescuers are racing against time to save tens of thousands of people still trapped under collapsed buildings following the massive May 13 earthquake in Sichuan Province. Several cities surrounding Chengdu suffered tremendous loss of life and property when the quake struck. Fatalities are now expected to reach 50,000 and four million homes have been demolished. As aftershocks continue and rescuers face monumental challenges in extracting people from beneath tons of collapsed concrete, hopes are dimming for many trapped inside the buildings. Pray that even in the midst of tragedy, the God of miracles will work in ways that will bring great glory to Himself. Pray that all who seek to provide assistance will be aware of a much greater power at work, and will depend on Him. Pray that survivors, rescuers, and observers will long for a relationship with the One and Only True God who can comfort them in times of need, provide for them throughout life, and give them eternal life.

Unchanging Standards

 

Franklin Graham speaks about God’s permanent standards:

God’s standard is the same yesterday. It’s the same today. And it’s going to be the same standard a million years from now. And the Bible says that breaking God’s laws are a sin. You say, “What do you mean by that?” Well, murder is a sin. You say, “well, Franklin, we agree with you.” Well, you know what? There are probably people in this audience today who are guilty of murder. And it’s a sin against God, but I’m here to tell you that God will forgive you. If you’re guilty God will forgive you, and he’ll cleanse you if you’re willing to come to him tonight in faith and receive his Son, Jesus Christ, into your heart, into your life. You see, God loves you.

You will be forgiven, and made new, when you come to Jesus Christ by faith. If you’d like to know more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, call us at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, toll free, at 866-JESUS-CARES. Or click billygraham.org.

Have a great week.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“…Let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us.”

~Hebrews 12:13b, KJV~

 

Joan Hagan reports she has lost a little over thirty pounds since her surgery two weeks ago. Please continue to pray for her.

 

 

On Mission in Kentwood

  • Saturday, May 24
  • Donuts and organization at 8 A.M.
  • Sign up today!
  • Contact Lauree or me with any requests.

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

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~

 

 

Make God first in your life this Lord’s Day.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is

that they may be saved.”

~Romans 10:1~

A special thanks to those who stepped in to assist with a project for On Mission in Kentwood this week. May God bless you as you serve Him in this way.

A week from today, Saturday, May 24th, we will have another churchwide On Mission in Kentwood. Plan now to be a part of this ministry. If you have a special request for this group, please contact me or the church office (229-2881). Thanks!

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. From the Pacific Rim region comes this request: “Several families on our Pacific Rim Media Team are dealing with serious family issues such as aging parents or extended family members with health issues. Pray for God’s grace as we deal with these situations, oftentimes from a long distance.”

Floydale Teague
(November 14, 1928 – May 16, 2008)

Died at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2008 at his residence in Kentwood. He was a native of McGargel, TX. Age 79 years. He is survived by his wife, M. L. Teague, Kentwood; son, Tommy Teague, Baton Rouge; 3 daughters, Kathy Teague, Metairie, Karen Teague, Metairie and Donna Teague, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Teague; mother, Florence McClendon Teague; 2 brothers, David Teague and Raymond Teague; sister, Jewel Teague.


A FRIEND TO HELP

I heard recently about a student named Steve Winger from Lubbock, TX who was taking a challenging class in Logic. Both the course and the teacher were known for exacting and demanding exams. The final exam was looming, and the professor mercifully told the class that each student would be permitted to bring in a single 8 x 11 1/2 inch sheet with as much information as they could put on that one sheet for help during the test.

On exam day, each student came to class clutching their precious pieces of paper with as much information as possible. Some students had crammed lines and lines of font so tiny and so numerous onto that single sheet that you had to wonder how they could read it. But Steve walked in with a single blank sheet and a friend who was a senior student and who had an ‘A’ in logic. Steve bent down and placed that single, blank sheet of paper on the floor next to his desk. His expert friend stood on the paper.

The professor noticed the extra body in the room and asked what he was doing. Steve piped up, “You said we could bring in what ever we could fit on a single piece of paper for help on this test, well, this is my help and he can fit on the paper!” He had followed the instructions to the letter and was the only student in that class to score an ‘A’ since he had his expert friend standing along side him.

That story reminds me of what God has done for us. We are “tested” on a daily basis, but we have two very special blessings to assist us. First of all, God didn’t just send us a piece of paper to tell us what we need to know. Jews were given the “cheat sheet” composed of Ten Commandments chiseled in stone, along with hundreds of other commandments penned on scrolls. But God did more than that for us — He sent his Son to this earth, to stand with us, to live with us — not just a set of answers written on paper, but a living, breathing perfect example of what we need to know. Want to know how God would react in any given situation? Look to Jesus.

Then when Jesus returned to His Father, he left a helper with us, a “paraclete” to stand alongside us (no more than that — within us!), supporting us and guiding us.

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Cor. 1:21-22)

What a trendemous blessing, and a comfort to those who are in Christ.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful weekend.

Anna Lee

Friday

“Ye shall seek me, and find me,

when ye shall search for me with all your heart”

~Jeremiah 29:13, KJV~.

I am home & the procedure went well. Thank you for your prayers. Tonight I will go to an Alzheimer’ Support Group at the Methodist Church. This is very helpful.

Continue to pray for both of us.
Frann S. Clark

Thank you for continuing to pray for Kenny. You can now check out http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kennypope for the latest news. The info below is what I read this morning from Kenny’s webpage. Melinda

Wednesday, the 14th (1:11pm) –

Today we learned that Kenny’s next surgery will be tomorrow (Thursday)around lunch (he is the doctor’s second surgery of the day) and we think he will be transferred to Shepherd’s Spinal on Wednesday the 21st.

PRAISE OF THE DAY – our stay at Shepherd’s will be 4 to 6 weeks instead of the first estimate of 6 months.

Wednesday at 3:57 pm-

This is Toni. I am listening to Kenny talk on the phone to an old friend and I will repeat for you as much of the conversation as I can:

His friend asked for worse case scenario and, as we learned today, Kenny told him a wheelchair. His spinal cord was crushed at the T 10 juncture… Then Kenny says but my plan, until the Lord tells me different is to walk again! Then his friend said something like, what are you gonna do and Kenny’s reply was, ‘Well, I’m gonna tell people about God whether it is from a wheelchair or from my feet!

Kenny is saying we are content to go through this and we are going there together (Teri, Kenny and Our Lord)!

Teri wanted me to ask that you keep your prayers flowing and the outpouring of love has been tremendous! Thank you doesn’t begin to explain, but that is all I can say now. If you visit KP in the hospital, please ask for a ‘FOOP prayer bracelet’ to take with you. ‘FOOP’ stands for Foo (the name Lanier and Harris – his nephews – call him) and we added the ‘p’ for prayer. There are 8 beads on it and each one is to use as a different prayer. We hope you will use this prayer tool often!

Thursday, the 15th (5:35pm)

Toni typing, Teri dictating –

Praise of the Day – The major surgeries are over! ‘The environment is now ready for healing to begin’ so Teri says time to kick up the prayers for healing. Another praise is that no spinal cord fluid is leaking, the patch from the first surgery has held!

Kenny is now fused from T7 – above the wound – to L1 – below the wound – no bad posture for KP! They did use titanium rods and screws to stabalize the spine.

The surgery lasted 6 hours and Kenny is still in recovery so they haven’t seen him yet. They expect to see him by 6:30ish.

Kenny loves to read the guest book – please continue to leave him messages and if you have already signed it once, he would love to hear from you again! They play a game in the room to see who can identify the person first by name: missionary, work, who’s friend etc. It is very encouraging to Kenny!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franklin Graham Urgent Prayer Request

Deadly Earthquake Strikes China

May 15, 2008

Dear Friend,

For the second time in the span of two weeks, I have witnessed heartbreaking devastation as I travel in Asia. A deadly earthquake shook the nation of China on Monday; within hours, Chinese officials reported 8,500 people killed and thousands more injured or trapped. As of Wednesday, the death toll is reported at more than 15,000.

Monday’s earthquake was felt in the coastal cities of Beijing and Shanghai, more than a thousand miles from the epicenter. In terms of intensity, it was comparable to the deadly earthquake in 1976 that killed approximately 240,000 people in China.

The devastation is horrific. It could take years for the area to recover, but you cannot recover the loss of life. Pray that the people of China will turn to the Lord and know that “He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help” (Psalm 72:12, NIV).

Pray also:

  • For earthquake survivors who are trapped, injured, homeless, or grieving
  • For the Chinese churches and Christians as they reach out as neighbors to those who are in need
  • For Samaritan’s Purse and relief organizations providing disaster relief in China

Please visit billygraham.org in the coming days for updates on how you can continue to pray for the devastated people of China. And please forward this to as many people as you can.

Thank you for your prayers. May God bless you.

Sincerely,

Franklin Graham
President

KOMpray May 16, 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

A GIFT OF COCONUTS

Do you worship God? Christians worship Jesus when we tell Him how much we love Him. We can sing songs to God, or pray, or study the Bible. We worship God at church and at home. We can even worship Him on the playground when we show other people that Jesus is important to us by being nice or telling stories from the Bible. Worship is really important, and we want to worship God every day. Why not tell Jesus right now that you love Him with all your heart?

Hindus don’t worship the same way as Christians. They believe in more than one god-about 330,000 gods-and have idols at the temple and in their homes. A Hindu will ring bells in front of the idol and pray to their god. They also give gifts (or offerings). Guess what their most popular offering is for their gods-coconuts.

Hindus don’t know that Jesus is the Savior, and they believe in false gods. How would you tell a Hindu about Jesus? Maybe you could use the Wordless Book or an EvangeCube. Christians who live in South Asia sometimes tell Hindus about Jesus by talking about coconuts!

Kind of like using the Wordless Book, Christians explain Jesus’ love with a coconut. They say, “Before we came to know Jesus, our hearts were as hard and dirty as the outside of this coconut. But Jesus was nailed to the cross. He took the punishment for our sins.” Then, they crack open the coconut with a hammer. BANG!

Open up the coconut and you see the pure white inside. “Trust Jesus to be your Savior and your heart can be as white and pure as the inside of this coconut.” Pray that many Hindus in South Asia will hear about Jesus. Pray that they will ask Him to forgive them of their sins. And pray that they will let Jesus be their Savior.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

I have a friend named Sonny, and I have a longing for him to come to Christ. Pray that he will, and pray that God will give me the courage to tell Sonny about Jesus. DAVID, age 13 (South Asia)

I pray that my friend will believe in Jesus. MS, age 9 (East Asia)

Please pray that the end of this school year will go well: final tests, packing to move to the States and starting college. RUTH, age 18 (West Africa)

I live in Central Asia. Because I live there, I have made friends with the national children. They need prayer! Please pray that my family and I can make a difference in their lives by telling them about Jesus. If you could, also pray for my mom. She has insomnia-that means it’s hard for her to fall asleep. Recently, she got to sleep for six full hours which is a record for the last couple of years. God is good! AMANDA, age 13 (Central Asia)

All the people here are Muslim and worship Allah. They don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Please pray for my friend that I can teach her who God’s Son is. ABIGAIL, age 7 (West Africa)

Make it a great day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“O You who hear prayer,

to You all flesh will come.”

~Psalm 65:2~

CHINA. As massive relief efforts continue following the 7.9 earthquake in Sichuan province, conditions look dire for the 100,000 people who are still missing and the 19,000 who are known to be trapped under buildings. Although China has mobilized a massive relief effort, many roads are impassible, making the efforts extremely difficult. At present, 13,000 are reported to have died, but the figure is expected to rise considerably. Pray for all who are buried alive, asking our merciful God to lead rescuers to their aid. Pray for those who are involved in relief efforts, asking the God of wisdom and strength to supply their needs. Pray for all who have lost loved ones, asking that God will send messengers to share His saving love with them. Pray that as this tragedy continues to unfold in Chengdu and surrounding cities and mountain communities, many millions of Chinese people will reflect on the meaning of life and search for Truth.

AIDS. As the thin, gaunt man lay on the mat on the floor, he could barely speak. The room he lay in was small and stifling hot. His right arm was drawn up toward his chest. A caregiver had cleaned him up and was now doing exercises to prevent his arm from staying in that position. No family members were around, and he apparently had no one left. This is the scene in many rural villages in South Africa. People are dying in the village of Sweetwaters at an alarming rate from AIDS. Pray for the Spirit of God to move evangelical churches to care for and witness to those infected and dying from AIDS. Pray that the people will turn to Jesus and no longer follow their traditional ways. Only Jesus can change a culture. http://www.imb.org/AIDS/

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Missionaries Jim and Lori Spikes will be taking their youngest daughter to the United States in a few months for college. Please pray for her during this transition time.


Braden Alford, our almost six year old grandson in Georgia, fell from the monkey bars a year ago and broke his upper right arm. He seems to have good use of the arm, but it is noticably crooked. He had a follow up visit with his doctor Tuesday. The doctor is sending Braden to a specialist in Chattanooga, Please pray for his family as they await this appointment.

Several people you know or may know of are in various stages of battling cancer. Please take time to pray for each one.

  • Mr. Henry Harris
  • Chuck Pittma
  • Randy Fairburn
  • Sammy Broyles
  • Linda Longoria (Wife for Rev. Lyndon Longoria)
  • Lisa Davis (Sister of Susan Rimes)
  • Grant Matherne (Great grandson of Mrs. Hazel Smith)
  • Aubrey Perry (Brother of Karen Miller)

Andrew Marius Smith III
Born in Perth Amboy, N.J., on Sept. 29, 1941, to parents Andrew Marius Smith Jr. and Audrey Bird Smith, he died in McComb, Miss., on Thursday, May 8, 2008. He graduated from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 in Korea. He was a publisher, author and illustrator of “Louisiana Proud,” a historical pictorial of the real Louisiana as it began and lives today through 375 original pen-and-ink illustrations. He also published, authored and illustrated three cookbooks and several children’s books. Survived by his wife, Cinda Parmelee; three sons, Jay Allen, of Los Angeles, Robby Allen, of Prairieville, and Marky Vetter, of Walker; and three grandchildren. Memorial service at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at his home, 77112 N. River Road, Kentwood, LA 70444.

Deacon Hospital Ministry this Week

  • Smiley Conerly
  • Roy Turner

Nursery Volunteers for May 18

  • Justin and Wendy Fowler
  • Eleanor Morris
  • Gretchen Simpson
  • Lily Edwards

On Mission in Kentwood

  • One project at 3 P.M. today (Contact the church office if you can help)
  • May 24th at 8 A.M. (Several projects)

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

  • Goal: $13,000.00
  • Received: $12,235.30

VBS Music CDs

  • Available in the church office
  • $2.50

Nursing Home Visitation

  • Tuesday, May 20th
  • 10:00 A.M.

Share Group Meeting

  • Tonight at 6:30
  • Alford’s Cabin

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
YESTERDAY, SEVERAL GOOD friends and I were sitting in the office of a neurosurgeon…

We listened to him as he explained why he left a thriving practice in a large metropolis to come a much smaller hospital in our area of the country. He said it was all because of a letter he received.

You see, he had been so busy with his job, he told us that he literally had not seen his little girl in three weeks. Then one night when he came home from work, there was a letter by his bed from his 11 year-old daughter. It was a letter in which this little girl told her daddy that she missed him and wanted more of his time. She acknowledged to her daddy that he had an important job, but she said, “Daddy, doing the ‘right’ thing is sometimes the ‘hard’ thing to do.” It was at this point that this successful neurosurgeon decided he wanted to be a father first. So he left his practice and moved his family to South-Central Kentucky.

I couldn’t help but be touched by this doctor’s story. Before me was a man who knew that there are things in life that are more important than fame, ego, work, and money. It doesn’t take a “brain surgeon” be able to identify proper values and priorities in life. Sometimes, little 11 year-old girls who miss their daddy can discern those things. The question I have for you is have you discerned these same truths? Give it some thought. (Steve Higginbotham)

“Redeeming the time,

because the days are evil.”

~Eph. 5:16~

I pray each of you will have a good day. Please let me know if you have something I can pray about or something I can share on The Prayer Link so others can pray too.

Anna Lee