Jason Dean wrote this update this morning:
My father is at home am doing well. He has a long way to go to get his strength back. His knee is doing well,his sugar level and kidneys appear to be improving. His main problem now is regaining his strength and his blood levels to return to normal. Thank everyone for all the prayers and keep remembering him.
The Dean Family
Aaron Hill
Please begin now to pray for this baby, his family. and the medical staff who will minister to Aaron and his family today. God has touched many lives through the life of one sick little boy. Pray that no matter how the surgery turns out today, lives will continue to be touched and blessed. Pray Aaron and his family will feel the love, support, and encouragement of many people as well as the peace and endurance from God for whatever they face today.
I thank all of your for the many prayers you are lifting up for Aaron. Each message has truly blessed me today. We cherish each new friend we are making through this process (we can’t wait for Aaron to thank you himself for your prayers one day!), those of you whom we haven’t seen in years and those friends that we just haven’t seen since leaving for PA. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Aaron will be the second surgical case tomorrow. They anticipate coming to take him to the operating room about 10 a.m. We will spend the morning with him and let everyone know when the surgery begins. Please pray for the hands of the surgeons, for Aaron’s peace and pain, that intubation will be easy and all toxins will stay out of Aaron’s body, that the holes will be easily located and repaired, that Aaron will have no trouble coming off the bypass machine and that his heart will not misfire when it begins working again. Pray for healing after the surgery.
We love you all.
Billy Wilkinson
I saw Billy Wilkinson of Fluker last night. He continues to have treatments at Mary Bird Perkins in Baton Rouge. Please pray for him as he continues his treatments.
Paul D. Morel, DMD
Paul Douglas Morel, DMD, died April 1, 2008, at his residence.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home in McComb. Services are 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home chapel with Dr. David Millican officiating.
Dr. Morel was born April 26, 1958, in Pasadena, Calif. He was the son of Jo Blades Morel of Magnolia and the late Paul Francis Morel. He was a practicing dentist in Magnolia.
KOMpray
Kids on Mission Pray
Prayer requests
April 4, 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
EIGHT-HOURS TO THE OASIS… A team of volunteers went from the United States to West Africa to tell the Kanuri people about Jesus. They wanted to go prayerwalking-you know, praying while walking. You can walk through your neighborhood too and begin praying for your neighbors. Well, these volunteers wanted to pray for the Kanuri people. Sad to say, they weren’t allowed to go to some of the villages they hoped to visit. So, the missionaries took them on an eight-hour trip to a desert oasis. Make a picture in your mind-hot sun, huge sand dunes, and water for thirsty travelers! The volunteers were very excited about the trip. They planned to do some prayerwalking in the desert and definitely wanted to tell someone about Jesus.
Whew, eight-hours riding through the desert! At the oasis, they climbed to the top of huge dunes to look out and pray for the desert peoples. The volunteers asked God to show them people who wanted to hear about Jesus. Even before the volunteers left the United States, they thought about that. They used the church’s Vacation Bible School missions offering to buy some very special, small media players. They have four-hours of Bible stories on them-sort of like Sunday School lessons-from Creation through Jesus. The stories were in seven different languages so everyone could understand. Everyone who lives in the Saharan desert that is!
After praying on the sand dunes, the volunteers started back. And what did thy see? A camel caravan! Yes, they were in the middle of a caravan of 150 camels and 30 drivers. The camel drivers were excited to take the media players and listen to the stories in their language. Please pray for these camel drivers (kind of like West African cowboys). Pray for them to listen to the stories many times and become Christians. Pray that they will share the stories with their families and others they meet on the trail.
MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS
My prayer request is that God will help me reach more and more hearts of people. LS, age 10 (East Asia)
Pray that other people would love me. THAD, age 5
Please pray that I would have more girls to play with in my neighborhood. DANIELLE, age 9 (Pacific Rim)
Dear God. Please help my great grandma to stay healthy. RAYMOND, age 7 (East Asia)
Please pray for my strength as I try to lose weight and exercise more. Pray that I will have faith that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. AP, age 15
Nanna was born with only half of a heart in Scarborough, East Toronto, Canada. Her church (Iglesia Bautiste Betel) prayed for her survival as a testimony to Jesus’ love for children and His power as the Great Physician to keep her alive. She has been alive longer than anyone else in her condition, but the more she grows, the more she needs a whole heart. Please pray that she will be put on a list to receive a heart transplant. Please ask Yahweh the Father to let this little vivacious girl with an infectious smile and lots of joy in the Lord continue to live as a testimony to Jesus’ love for children. NANNA, age 7 (Middle America and Caribbean)
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
LEADERSHIP OF THE Democratic Party in Michigan and Florida is in a quandary…
In the past, the presidential nomination process has been settled by the time their primaries were held. In an attempt to make their primaries more meaningful, they scheduled the events for an earlier date. The national party leaders warned them not to make those changes, or their votes would not be counted. The warnings went unheeded.
The closeness of the 2008 Democratic presidential campaign has surprised many. The delegates that would have been chosen in the Michigan and Florida primaries might have made a distinct difference. In hindsight, all wish that they had left the schedule alone. Now there is discussion about redoing the primaries. Many oppose such efforts, however, saying that rules can’t be changed after the fact. It will be interesting to see how all of this develops.
Attempting to change the rules is an ancient practice. Esau, described in Hebrews 12:16 as a “profane person” (NKJV), made an impulsive decision to sell his birthright in order to satisfy his physical hunger. Later he begged his father to reverse the blessing he had given to Jacob, or at least to pronounce a second blessing. His words in Genesis 27:38 reveal his desperate situation: “And Esau said to his father, ‘Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me — me also, O my father!’ And Esau lifted up his voice and wept.” But it was too late. There was no blessing for one who had thought so little of his spiritual heritage. The rules would not be changed for Esau.
Similar desperation can be found in Matthew 7:21-23, words which will surprise many religious folks: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!'”
God’s will had been given to these startled souls. They could have known and obeyed the will of God if they had so chosen. Instead they launched out on their own wisdom, doing whatever seemed right and religious to them. In the end they were lost because they had not obeyed God’s rules. No amount of pleading would change what God had laid down in scripture.
Let us learn from the mistakes others have made. Let us be thankful that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:2-4), and then let us be intent on knowing and doing those things. One thing is certain: We’re not going to change what God has said! (Tim Hall)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
shall enter the kingdom of heaven,
but he who does the will of my father in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day,
‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name,
cast out demons in your name,
and done many wonders in your name?’
And then I will declare to them,
‘I never knew you; depart from me,
you who practice lawlessness!'”
~Matt. 7:21-23~
Have a great Friday!
Anna Lee
“Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion!
Declare His deeds among the people.”
~Psalm 9:11~
Aaron Hill
We learned from Aaron’s nurse this morning that the surgical team has scheduled Aaron’s surgery for tomorrow. We don’t know details yet, but we pray that Aaron will be ready and that his surgeon will be well prepared. We know our Great Physician will be ready any time, so we are trying not to be scared that it will take place so soon. I am definitely praying that today the Prince of Peace will help us with our worry and the Great Healer will do a work in Aaron.
Scott, Mom and Levi are currently on a flight to MS (Levi can say “Mississippi” now), so please pray for their safety. Scott was planning to attend Marshall’s funeral this afternoon, but I’m not sure he’ll be able to make it now, as he will be taking a flight back here for Aaron’s surgery tomorrow. Please pray that the trips will not tire him out and that he will make it safely back here.
John Howard “Johnnie” Strong
(March 2, 1922 – April 2, 2008)
John Howard “Johnnie” Strong died at 10:51 p.m. on April 2, 2008 in Hammond. He was 86 years old, a native of Roseland and served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. “Johnnie” returned to the Amite area and was a well-known mechanic, working at Frohn Brother’s and Brumfield Ford throughout his lifetime. He is survived by two daughters, Linda S. McNabb of Hammond, and Laura S. Albritton of Amite, one brother, Eugene Strong of Hillsdale, and one sister, Carrie Desplas, of Metairie, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjory Baker Strong, his father, James Nelson Strong, his mother, Carrie Jackson Strong, his sisters, Laura S. Durnin and Margaret S. Marquette. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a hospice program of choice. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday April 7, 2008. Services conducted by Rev. Clay Gillespie. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite
Elizabeth Ann Ballard
(December 21, 1958 – April 2, 2008)
Died at 6:55 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at her residence near Kentwood. She was a native of Independence, LA. Age 49 years. Visitation at Chesbrough Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12:00 Noon Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Ed Norris. Interment Ballard Family Cemetery, Chesbrough. She is survived by her husband, Richard Edwin Ballard; 2 sons, Richard Joshua Ballard and Justin Wallace Ballard; 1 sister, Rebecca Varnado; 1 brother, Leroy Varnado; 1 granddaughter, Brianna Elizabeth Ballard, all of Kentwood. She was preceded in death by her parents.
“But you will receive power
when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,
and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem,
in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (HCSB)
Betty Taylor is still sore from her fall, but continues to improve. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.
Rusty Williams also continues to improve. Last week, he was able to use his wheelchair and attend church. Please continue to pray for him.
Continue to pray for Joan Hagan as she prepares for surgery on Wednesday, April 30th.
Pray for Mrs. Joann Carter. She has a recurrence of cancer.
Families on Mission in Kentwood!
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
Nursery Volunteers for April 6
No “Baptist Message” will be printed today.
Thanks for the many migrant health kits that were turned in.
Sunday, April 6
Paid Nursery Position Open
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
MOST PARENTS HAVE seen this happen…
As the communion tray passes by, our little one stretches to see its contents, then in a stage whisper says: “Mom, can I have some juice too?” Of course, you could say flat out, “No!” but most parents wisely respond, “Not yet.”
“No you can’t,” and “Not yet” are quite different responses, you know. Sometimes it’s important to wait. Delay is not denial. Waiting for the proper time is not idle waiting, nor is it empty.
Anticipation is the best preparation for the moment of fulfillment.
Of course, our kids could take crackers and juice right with all the other participants, but they would not be partaking of the body and blood of the Lord, and the special nature of this ceremony would be lost on them.
Delayed gratification is not popular in our culture, but there are times when it is important. I remember the first time I took communion. I was twelve years old, and it was the week after I was baptized. What a very special moment that was!
Human beings are always in such a hurry. God, I have noticed, allows for nature to take its course. And it doesn’t hurt for our children to observe baptisms, and the Lord’s Supper, and to begin to form the idea that one day, they, too, will grow to participate in and appreciate these grownup mysteries. (Stan Mitchell)
“Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
~Psalm 27:14~
Have a wonderful day. “Let Others See Jesus in You”!
Anna Lee
Latest post on Baby Aaron Hill
(Wednesday @ 8:15 P.M.)
We got disappointing news today from our surgeon. For the past 36 hours, Aaron has not been getting better. He has been draining tons of fluid from his chest tubes and his heart rate and respirations have been high. He has been laboring with each breath. They have been giving him blood products and iv nutrition, but he continues to weaken. Dr. Spray feels like Aaron needs another open heart surgery very soon to repair the holes between his ventricles and atria. One of the holes is in the area where they put a patch to connect his aorta with his VSD–the doctors think some of the stitches may have come out around the patch. The other hole is in a very difficult place to reach, but it is doing lots of damage b/c it’s allowing backflow into Aaron’s right atrium. Dr. Spray had wanted to see if Aaron would get better so we could skip another surgery because it will be a difficult repair, but that has not happened. The operation may be Friday, but at the latest Monday. They don’t want Aaron to get any worse.
We are disappointed and scared. We want Aaron to get well and don’t want to hand him over to be cut open again. We haven’t held our baby boy in over two weeks now. This has been hard for us, but harder on our Aaron. Please pray for healing for our son.
Jesse Dean is in the process of checking out of North Oaks. He will have home health care for a while. Please continue to pray.
“The Lord has heard my supplication;
the Lord will receive my prayer.”
~Psalm 6:9~
MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Pray for Ramona Reese, IMB missionary to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and her family as they grieve the sudden loss of her mother in a car accident. Lift up Ramona and her family as decisions are made regarding her mother’s belongings. Pray for the grandchildren, who are taking it the hardest. Remember Ramona’s husband also as he is recovering from knee replacement surgery.
Please pray for my parents, Grant and Dot Smith of Roseland, as they undergo a number of medical tests.
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
I WEIGHED MYSELF one day recently…
I weighed a certain amount (nope, I am not going to tell, so don’t even ask!) on one scale. I guess I wanted a second opinion, so I weighed on another one. It showed me 20 pounds heavier than the first one did. (I liked the first one better; it must be doing a better job.) Therefore, just to see if I could get a majority ruling, I found a third one and weighed on it. It showed me 10 pounds heavier than the first scale, and 10 pounds lighter than the second scale. (I still liked the first one better.) To be honest, I do not know which one was right, so I just went with the one that pleased me the most.
Sadly, I believe that many religious people follow this same path. They try one religious organization, church or preacher, and then, they try another, which tells them something different, and maybe another that tells something totally different yet. They get confused, and then they just go to the one that pleases them most.
How can I know how much I truly weigh? I have to find a reliable scale, one that is calibrated properly and that is consistent with the true weight of what it weighs. While all three of the scales I used were different, the fact is that I did actually weigh a certain amount when I used those scales. All of them could have been wrong, or one right and two wrong (I know you figure the heaviest one was right), but only one could have been right.
Religiously, there is a truth that does not change. It is the truth that is God’s Word (John 17:17), and that truth is understandable. In the religious world, we may find all kinds of “interpretations,” sort of like the measurements of my weight on those scales. The fact is, however, that there is a truth that is sure and certain, and is right. If two or more people are teaching different things on a matter of doctrine or Scripture, then either all of those teachings are wrong, or one is right and the others are wrong. That is an unpopular sentiment in today’s world.
If we take it and think about it in terms of how much I weigh, it is not hard to understand. I have a true weight. However, it cannot be 20 pounds different from one measurement, and 10 pounds different from another and all three measurements be true. That just makes sense. For example, I cannot weigh 100 pounds (I wish!), 110 pounds and 120 pounds all at the same time. If three scales weigh me these weights, then at least two of them are wrong (I know what you are thinking, in my case all three would be wrong at these weights, although the three combined might come close-Ha,Ha!).
From the perspective of religion, we must go to the Bible, and allow it to speak as the authority of God. We need to use it as our spiritual scale, or measuring instrument. In the end, it will be that by which we are judged. It is truth in its purest form. We must measure by God’s measurements and not by ours.
I would like to lose some weight. However, just going from one scale to another that gives me a reading that pleases me more does not change my real weight. I want to go to heaven. Just changing to some other organization or preacher that tells me what I want to hear will not change the course I am on. Only obedience to the truth of God can do that. Be careful what measuring instrument you use to guide your life. (Dean Kelly)
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
Be careful what measuring instrument you use to guide your life.
Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee
