September 29th is Sherry's Birthday !!!!

Happy Birthday Sherry !!!

Birthday Boy Jim Smith !!! Happy Birthday !!

Just Better

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN !!!

HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   SUSAN  !!!

H A P P Y  B I R T H D A Y   D O N N A  !!!!!!!

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   J I M !!!!

Happy Birthday Jeremy!!

Now I might be wrong but I think that today is Jeremy Blake Smith's birthday!   If it is Sherry and Jerry send this to his email address.  If it isn't then hold it until the correct day.   If it is Jeremy's birthday then it is also Kent's or Jeff's too..  Not sure which one.  (Same instructions Sherry).  That is how my old mind works.....  I hear you all laughing... Be kind.  :-).  Let's pray for and praise God for them all.  What a day of prayer and rejoicing this will be!  Ernie, you could do this a lot better.... But for now... Happy Birthday or not to a couple very special Smith men.
Love you all!

Happy Birthday, Ernie!

I wish that I was as talented as you are, Ernie! But sadly I am not, so I pray this will suffice.  Happy Birthday!!!  We love you and are grateful that you are getting well.  Praise His Name!   You bless us with your great joy and your heart for Him.  Have a great year in Him!

Newest Grandson Praise be to Him!

Very Handsome Zeke

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y J E R R Y

H A P P Y     B I R T H D A Y       J E R R Y

Sorry to be late in wishing you a Happy Birthday !!!

Suzanne - Greetings from Africa

Suzanne says:
Sunday, October 27, 2013 6:03 AM

Subject: Greetings from Africa
Another busy week...The senior girls continue to work on their sewing and crocheting and the grade school children are working on crafts after school. Both the boys and girls like to make beaded items in addition to billfolds and purses. One of the boys asked what a billfold was. The child care director asked me to start a discussion with the senior girls on wild versus wise girls that she will continue after I am gone. The girls have had little exposure to the world outside the village gates and it will be a real awakening when they leave. I am nervous about this and hope it goes well on Wednesday night.
We celebrated a birthday this week .....Francis was 6 years old. The "mother" talks about her "son" and then the children sing Happy Birthday and ask how old he is. After the birthday child sings, the children do a rousing version of To God Be the Glory. Francis was new to Rafiki on one of my visits and all he did was cry. It was so wonderful to see the happy, smiling boy. Each child receives a book and a new outfit on his/her birthday. At Rafiki, birthdays are celebrated on the child's 6,10, 16 and 20th birthday.
Each visit to the village, I am struck by how little the Ghanian people have compared to us. Their possessions are few and their lives will not improve materially. We have been so blessed.
I am still struggling with the food. Before I came, I decided I would eat my noon and night meal in the dining hall but it has been a challenge.

Every meal is a red sauce over rice or spaghetti. This week the cooks served Palava sauce which is made with cocoyam leaves, red oil, tomatoes and onions. Every dish is very hot with pepper. I guess it is all a matter of taste. One night this week the children were given worm pills before dinner. As you would imagine, I asked the nurse if I should take some also.
And for all of you that told me my hearing aids were not visible.....Every child in the village has asked about them. They had never seen one before. I must look very old because one of the senior boys asked what war I fought in. Out of the mouths of babes.

Happy Birthday Linda !!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Linda !!!!!!!!!

Linda & Jim --- --- -- Happy 50th Anniversary !!!!

Happy Birthday Suzanne Patton !!!

H A P P Y  B I R T H D A Y                 Suzanne  !!!!!!!!!!!!

Sherry Smith Birthday

H A P P Y  B I R T H D A Y  SHERRY !!!! 

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y Jim Smith !!!!!!!!!

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y Jim Smith !!!!!!!!!

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !!! DAN

Prayer please

This is from Jason Duncan who works at the church but is also an RA at Hidden Creek. 

calling for prayer! I am in a camp w 60 Chinese exchange students. Those who have not already crossed the line of faith are right on the edge of it. I've never seen the Holy Spirit move like this in so many people at once! But we, His ministers, desperately need your intercession for His empowerment, and these students desperately need Him ...period. Let the saints pray! John 4:35 Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.  

Glory to His Name.... please pray.

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !!! Susan

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y !!! Susan

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNA !!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNA !!!!!

 

Dorothy

Praise God, Dorothy went through the surgery well.  The doctor said that he removed a number of bone spurs successfully and that she should be in better shape as far as the pain is concerned in about 5-6 weeks.  She does have a lot of arthritis and her bones are brittle, so that will still cause her to have to be very careful.  She slept well pretty well last night so there is much to be thankful for.

Let's continue to keep them in prayer. 

Dorothy's surgery

Good morning!!!!  Just wanted to remind you that Dorothy will have surgery tomorrow, April.  Please pray for her and for the surgeons and, of course, for Dan. 

Also thankful for this blog that makes it easy for us to communicate.  Thanks, Ernie!!!!

He is Risen!!!!

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men.

“He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered His words.”

 

 

The tomb is empty..... death and the grave could not hold Him.

 

HE IS RISEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

He is the Resurrection and the Life!!!!!!!!!!

Info on Dorothy's surgery

Here is an email from Dan.....

Well, it has been a wild month.   As you know mother’s first surgery date, 03/05/13, was cancelled when she came down with a UTI infection.  The next surgery date, 03/22/13, was cancelled when mother came down with pneumonia on Thursday, 03/07/13, and landed in the hospital for a long weekend, 03/07/13 – 03/12/13.   Thankfully and praise the Lord. It was caught in the early stages.  She was back to church on the 17^th.   As of today, the new surgery date is 04/05/13.  Please, pray she will stay healthy.  I told her she would be in big trouble if she doesn’t. J

Also Susan had her test on her lung this past Wednesday and will keep us posted on the results.  Please keep her in prayer.

Can't leave without saying that I was thinking this AM about Phil 2:5-8....  that although He existed in the form of God He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself... taking the form of a bond servant and being made in the likeness of men.. being found in appearance as a man... He  (the Son of God... our Savior and King) humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death even death on a cross.  And He calls us to Have this attitude in ourselves.  
Which brings to mind... "deny yourself and take up your cross daily" and "humbles yourselves under the mighty hand of God" and on and on.     He gave His all... coming in humility... dying in humility... Our King!    As a friend of Erin's said...  "If He rode in low on a donkey, we should go ahead and get down off of our high horse.."   and I will add and worship Him with our lives in humility.

This is the week!!!!

Something I read this morning.... 

This is the week that we contemplate and celebrate that Jesus rose to His task and split history in two. This is the week he rode on a donkey, cried in the garden, suffered on the cross, rose into glory. This is the week that sinful, broken humans were granted a pardon, justified and set free. It is too miraculous for words. Songs and sermons fail us; we huddle at the cross, overwhelmed by the punishment that brought us peace.

Let's the earth rejoice, for the Lamb is our King and grace beat beat back the darkness!!!! 

Dorothy

I am so sorry that I didn't get this to you earlier.... but Dan's mom is having surgery on her back this AM.  She has to be there at 7AM, I believe.  And her surgery will require her to stay the night.   She has experienced pain in her back caused by some stenosis, I think, and they are going to try to relieve that pain.  Please pray for her and her quick recovery, and for Dan as he ministers to her. 

Updates

Sorry that I haven't updated the situation here at the City Smith house.  Jim's brother died on Jan 25th, and Jim and I went to the funeral the following week...... long story to tell there, but not for now.  God was definitely good to us in the trip and the time that we were there... although it was a very sad time also. 
We returned and I went to Erin's to help her and immediately came down with a stomach bug or food poisoning which kept me up all night in a not very pleasant way.  I left early the next day to keep away from her and the children... that turned out to be very interesting, too.  The streets were icy but the overpasses were even more icy... cars in ditches, or over turned or stuck or.... well, you get the idea....  I made it home by His grace.   Several days later, I lost my voice and am still a little croaky, although I have felt good and Jim has probably liked my lack of voice. It has probably been allergies.  So that is why I have not been in touch with you all.... love you.... Blessings...
Linda 

Happy Valentine's Day

Ash Wednesday

How deep the Fathers love for us,

how vast beyond all measure,

that He should give his only Son,

to make a wretch His treasure.

 

We love... because He first loved us.  (I guess that explains why we love you all so much.)

                         

 

Jim's brother

In my mind I wrote you all with an update on Jim's brother.... in reality, I did NOT!!!  Sorry!!  As you know he developed (or they found) a number of other problems with Bob's health... pneumonia, elevated blood sugar, atrial fibrillation, and finally kidney failure.  They had tried to reduce his sedation to wake him up, and he did not wake up... so the doctors told Carol that there was nothing else they could do since they were carrying on all his vital body systems with machines.  She and their son decided to take him off the ventilator, and when they did, he went peacefully to be with the Lord.  (If I have told you all of this, just humor me).  This was merciful since he had emphysema and dying in his sleep is the grace of God.  Even before the pneumonia took him to the hospital he was hardly able to walk across the kitchen, etc.  We praise the Lord for His grace and mercy.
So the funeral has finally been set for Wednesday with visitation on Tuesday night.  We will be leaving Tuesday AM (by car) and will probably be back on Thursday night or Friday.  Please pray for us as we travel and that we can minister to his family.

Happy Birthday Jim Brown !!!

Happy Birthday Jim Brown !!!

Happy Birthday, Jim Brown... and other news

Happy Birthday to Jim Brown!!!!!  I can't do the poster thing that Ernie does but want to say a very special day to you, Jim.  God bless you in every way this year.  You are a blessing to us all!!! 

Then just a little info on Jim's brother.  He is still on a ventilator, but they are slowly waking him up, and he is breathing about 15% on his own at this time.  His lungs are full of emphysema, his pneumonia is some better, but it will be awhile before it is gone, his blood sugar is running 400 (so he is on insulin... he has probably had undetected diabetes for a while), and the good news is that his urine output has improved.  Please continue to pray for him and for Carol who sounded like she was getting sick with a cold or the flu.

Jim's brother

Jim's brother, Bob Smith, was admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath and just not feeling good.  It turns out that he was in Atrial Fibrillation (a heart rhythm problem) and has pneumonia.  He also has emphysema so this made this all worse.  They put him on a ventilator and sedated him to give his lungs a rest and to deal with his heart rate, etc.  His heart rate is much improved and he is receiving IV meds for the pneumonia.  Something has now happened to cause his kidneys to not function as well (a little confusion here when talking to his wife, Carol), but suffice it to say that Bob is very ill.  Also this is the weekend for their granddaughter's wedding.... the good news is that all of the immediate family is in town for the wedding.... the bad news.... Bob is very ill....  but the best news... God knows and His ways are perfect.  Oh, and the father of the bride just came down with the flu.  Please pray.... meet you at the throne of Almighty God for grace to help in time of need.

Happy Birthday, Ernie!!!!  Oh, how I wish I could make you a poster like you do for everyone else.... but I can't!!!  Maybe someone will do it for you later.  In the meantime we wish you a great day in Him in the middle of ice, snow, and any other difficulties in your life.  We pray that God will show Himself mighty as you walk through the day.  That His Presence will over shadow you and overwhelm you with Joy.  That you will see Him in all that happens today and praise Him in it all.

We love you much!!!!

Blessed and Merry Christmas to you!!!

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas and that we love you.  I wish I could take credit for that love but truth is that We love because He first loved us.  And He proved that love (for God so loved...) by sending Jesus (by the way He is the King of kings and Lord of lords) in a humble state (human flesh).. to be born in a humble manger (and what is it with us that we think we need more)..... to die for us (while we were yet sinners, enemies and ungodly).....  to be raised from the dead.... so that we can live in the newness of abundant life, peace, and joy (filled with His Spirit... God in us.. and the same power that raised Him from the dead dwells in us... Whooppee!!!)..... AND He is coming back!!!  I just read about it in Matthew (birth pangs preceeding it), John (prepared a place) and Revelation (whoa, Baby.... there is some stuff coming.. but He is on the throne and loves us) and it is TRUE.  He is coming back to get us and take us home to live with Him.... no more sorrows, no more tears.  Okay so if that is true.... really true....  then how should I then live! Do I believe it enough to live that truth out?  God make that real in our lives so real that we overflow in joy and gratefulness, and it spills out on others.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JERRY !!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JERRY !!!!!!!

 

Happy Birthday Linda !!!!!

 

Happy Birthday Suzanne !!!!!

Happy  Birthday Suzanne !!!!!

 

Happy Birthday Sherry !!!

Happy Birthday Sherry !!!

 

Kristin update

From Linda via Suzanne....... Kristin's surgery went well. She should be in the hospital until Saturday.
Pray for Kristin's healing and recovery and for Linda as she ministers to daughter and grandchildren. Thanks to all. Blessings.

Fwd: FOX News: Christian Pastor Freed After 3 Years in Iranian Jail

Subject: FOX News: Christian Pastor Freed After 3 Years in Iranian Jail

 Christian Pastor Freed After 3 Years in Iranian Jail.

Youcef Nadarkhani (from Voice of the Martyrs)

			Location: Iran (Islamic Republic of) Arrested: October 2009 Have you been praying for Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani? He needs your prayers especially tomorrow, when his trial is scheduled to take place. Please pray that Youcef will be prepared for whatever happens on Saturday and that God will keep him bold in his faith. Pray that God's glory will be shown in Iran through Youcef's testimony.

Susan Brown's aunt

Please pray for Susan Brown's aunt who is 90 years old and had major surgery last Tuesday.  Susan says that she is not getting better very fast.  Her surgery was major and was for colon cancer if I am not mistaken.  Susan says she is a wonderful Christian, and she just hates to see her in pain.  Let's all go to the Lord for this precious woman of God.

Forgot

Forgot to say that you can follow Olivia McComb on her twitter account... @OliviaMcComb or go to Google and put in Olivia McComb Twitter... and it will come up.  Lots more pictures there.

Olivia is in Africa

Olivia, Suzanne's granddaughter, and Jennifer's daughter (love that)... is in AFRICA.....  AND here is a picture of her.  She is the one in the purple shirt. Note her left arm and how they are hanging on to her.  :-)

Opps.... the top one is not clear because it came from an iphone and I received it in the small size.  Ernie, if you can do better I will send it to you in email.  BUT is it not a praise to God and a beautiful picture of His grace and love.  Besides the fact that Olivia is beautiful herself.  Suzanne asks that you will pray that Olivia will be open to ALL that God is teaching her.

Also continue to pray for Jeremy, Kelly, Felicia, Dorothy....well, all of us....  you know what I mean.
Love you...  His grace is suffficient.... His power is sure... even in our weakness.
Look at those faces.  Suzanne's legacy is going on.....  praise His Name.

Suzanne's brothers

Suzanne called and asked for prayer for her brothers.  Jerry has had some tumors or abnormal cells in his bladder.  He was checked recently and there were more so he is going to receive chemo this afternoon at 1PM.  He is pretty much alone there in Florida so please pray that God will minister to him is a special way, with peace in this situation.... and with healing.  Tommy, her other brother, who had the growth in his lung that disappeared a while ago, now has some nodules in his lung.  He will undergo a bronchoscopy tomorrow.  Please pray for him as he goes through this.  AND for Suzanne who, of course, is concerned about them.... especially that Jerry is alone.
Jennifer is still staying the course.... Praise His Name!!!  And "little" Kelly is seeming to having a life change... was saying some good things when I was there.... then went to church camp.... is reading his Bible.... staying home lots (and he isn't under house arrest at this point.. :-) )...  Let's continue to pray about that...  the Browns.... Dorothy.... Felicia... Jeremy....  on and on.... and with thanksgiving we enter His courts.

Community Group meeting

Just a reminder that we are meeting at the City Smith's home tomorrow night at 7PM.  No meal.... just a few snacks, some talk time about next year AND prayer time.  See you then.

Community Group

Well, it looks like we have a verdict. We will meet at the City Smiths at 7PM on Friday night for prayer time and discussion about Com Grp next year. I hope Friday night still works for you all. See you then.

Jennifer and Community Group

Jennifer is leaving the rehab today.  She and Ted were counseled by a man named, Gary, who has taken a special interest in Jennifer.  The counseling was Friday and Saturday, and they may have one more session before she goes home today.  Please pray for her and for Ted as they begin life together again.... that God will give her focus and amazing strength in her weakness and that he will give Ted wisdom and love in all his interactions with Jennifer.  Praise God he has stayed the course and loves her.
Now.... Suzanne and I are trying to get a date for us to have our last CG meeting of the year.  We need to make some decisions about next year and take praise and all things to the Lord.  Sooo how about the weekend of June 8-10th.  We could meet on that Friday night or that Sunday after church.  We also need to decide if we want to do an EAT or not.   Sooo if you could please let me know as soon as possible what works best for you or if that weekend is completely out, I would appreciate it.  Thanks.  
Thinking today....  how grateful I am for the body of Christ... living stones being built together into a spiritual hoouse to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.    and how I miss our times of prayer together. 

No Community Group this Friday

No community group meeting this Friday.  We will get back to you soon.   In meantime remember to pray for Dorothy, Jennifer, Jeremy, Felicia, Grace subdivision, Kelly, .... well, you know all those to pray for and as you know the Holy Spirit will always lead you in that.  Praise His Name!!!

Comunity Group

Community Group this past Friday night was great.  Suzanne shared about her mission in Africa, we had a brief but good prayer time, and the dessert was delicious.  Thanks,  Jim and Susan for hosting.

Suzanne has offered to have a "Come Bring" meal at her home for our last group meeting.  She will provide a ham, and we can fill in the rest.  She is open to hosting it on a Thursday or Friday evening, or on a Sunday after church.  We are scheduled for Friday the 18th, but Jim and I may be gone that night which is not a problem, but Suzanne is trying to hit a time when we would all be able to come. Sooooo what thinketh Thee?  Please send me a text or email with the best day and date for you all.  Thanks so much.

Community Group

Just to remind you that tomorrow night we will be meeting and Jim and Susan's home for a time of prayer, AND hopefully Suzanne will be there to tell us about her trip to Africa!!!!!!   Ya'll come!!! 

Youcef

It has been rumored that Youcef was hanged in Iran.  Suzanne sent me a news story that was sent to her with a picture,however it did not give any particular new agency as the source.  Jim checked and could not find it substantiated any other place.   I will keep you posted or please let us know if you find info on it anywhere else.  Let's continue to pray.

Suffering.... a gift

David Platt‏@plattdavid

Suffering is a gift when identification with Christ is your goal.  

Enough said.. I am convicted and blessed.  Convicted since I fight suffering... blessed because it is a gift...  and in this passage the word "granted" can also be translated "gifted". 

Philippians 1:29  For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake....

Dorothy

Please pray for Dorothy today (and the days ahead).  She had that fall I wrote you about and the discomfort from that fall has only increased rather than decreased.  It also now is from her neck down to her lower back and even her legs have pains shooting down them.  She has been xrayed two times and there is nothing broken, but the pain in the muscles, etc. continues.  She also has seen a chiropractor and will continue that.  Please pray for her (relief from pain) and for Dan as he ministers to her needs.

Remember that community group is Friday night at Jim and Susan's... that is a change from the schedule so please note it.  Also Suzanne plans to be there so it should be a time of hearing her story and praising God for all He has done and is doing.

Chuck Colson

Chuck Colson died yesterday at the age of 80 years old. I should reread Loving God since it was an early read after I was saved. It made a huge impression on me.... As it did on John Piper who said that without Loving God there wouldnt have been a Desiring God which is the name of John Piper's ministry. David Platt said that he thinks that on his homegoing Chuck must have heard a Galilean voice say, "When I was in prison, you visited me.". Praise God for what He did through Chuck Colson.... Remember Watergate? God can change lives and use them to change the world for His glory.

Dorothy Ludvigson

Just a quick note to tell you  that Dan called to say that Dorothy had a dizzy spell yesterday at 10AM and fell trying to get to her medicine.  She was taken to the hospital, and gratefully Dan was able to take her back home later that day.  She has a sore neck, but otherwise is doing fine.  Please pray for them!!!  We missed you at com group Dan, but so glad you called to keep us up to speed. We will be praying.
Take care, Dorothy.

Happy Birthday Donna

Happy Birthday, Donna!!!

Community Group Friday night was a great night of prayer followed by a celebration of sweet Donna!!!  How we love you and appreciate your joy and your insights from the Lord.

And a quick picture of two good friends. How cute are they!!  Sorry I didn't get one of the guys. 

Love you all....

Chuck Colson

Update on Chuck Colson

Update on Chuck Colson

LANSDOWNE, Va., April 18, 2012—Jim Liske, CEO of Prison Fellowship Ministries, gave the following update this morning to the staff and supporters of Prison Fellowship, Justice Fellowship, and the Colson Center for Christian Worldview:

Dear Friends:

It is with a heavy, but hopeful heart that I share with you that it appears our friend, brother, and founder will soon be home with the Lord. Chuck’s condition took a decided turn yesterday, and the doctors advised Patty and the family to gather by his bedside.

As you know, Chuck underwent surgery more than two weeks ago to remove a pool of clotted blood on the surface of his brain. And while we had seen some hopeful signs for Chuck’s recovery—including his ability to talk happily with Patty and the kids—it seems that God may be calling him home.

I cannot tell you how much your prayers, cards, and well-wishes have meant to Patty and the family—and to Chuck. He loves you all deeply, and I know that his greatest desire beyond seeing Jesus is that the work he and all of us have been called to will continue. As Chuck would say, ‘Remain at your posts and do your duty—for the glory of God and His kingdom’

As soon as we have more information, I will be sure to let you know. And as always, keep praying for Chuck and Patty.

Community Group

First..... yes, I know I spelled "their" incorrectly....  speed does not become me.  Ha!!
Also community group will be at the City Smiths this Friday at 7PM.  Please let me know if you will be able to make it.  We had a quick but sweet prayer time after church with Suzanne who is leaving today.  Again, continue to pray for her and for Jennifer.
My mind always goes back to this verse and all of the verses of Ps 56.... not sure why today, but here it is...
Ps 56:9b "This I know.... that God is for me.  10 In God whose word I praise... in the Lord whose word I praise... 11 In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid, what can man do to me?"
Have a great day in Him.... full of the Spirit.... singing and making melody to the Lord!

Call to Prayer (5 ways)

This is from David Platt's church where there emphasis has been to pray for the horn of Africa.  Just wanted to share it with you as we pray for Suzanne as she is leaving today for Africa herself.  She will update us with emails as they have electricity and time to use the computer.

Call to Prayer (5 ways)

Can you think of anything you do 5 times every day? There are very few things on my list! But faithful Muslim people take time to pray 5 times every day. Before praying a Muslim will ceremonially wash their hands, feet and face to make themselves "clean enough" to be heard by God. Then they face the east, lay out their prayer mat and bow and prostrate themselves.

Lift up those who are seeking to be right and clean before God. Ask that they will find the one, true God! Ask and that they will find freedom from ritual and accept the Way they can be made righteous before Him once and for all. Ask that they will share their joy with their families, neighbors and friends and that they too will find Him.

Connections

I don’t know what is on your list of things you do 5 times a day, but here are some ideas…

1. Today, each time you look at your phone, pray for the Horn.
2. Each time you eat a meal or snack, pray for the Horn
3. Each time you check your email or facebook, page pray for the Horn.

Challenge

When a Muslim prays; they bend, kneel, bow and repeat the process. Use the internet to research and better understand this process. Pray for the Horn in all these positions today.

Are you serious?!?!?

Today, at 4am, 11am, 3pm, 6pm and 10pm, wherever you are, stop what you are doing, get on your knees and pray to the Father on behalf of the Horn.

a prayer

Saw this today on a blog.... not my words but now they are....  and here they are for you if you wish to pray them, too.

Fire of God, come, consume this living sacrifice I leave upon the altar for you,

God help me: I want to take my everyday, ordinary life—my sleeping, eating, doing-house-work, and walking-around life—and place it before You as an offering. I don’t want to become so well-adjusted to my culture that I fit into it without even thinking. Instead, I will fix my attention and devotion on You, and as I do I’ll be changed from the inside out. I want to readily recognize what You want from me, and quickly respond, with heart yielded to it. Not conforming to the external, superficial customs of this world, but being transformed by the renewing of my mind. So I will be able to test and approve what Your will is for us—Your good, pleasing and perfect will.

AMEN!!!!

Suzanne and Africa

David Platts church is praying for the horn of Africa specifically for this period of time.  As God would have it Suzanne is going to Africa next Monday.... so let's combine these and pray for both.  We love you, Suzanne!!!!  
Here is the info from the David Platt prayer blog for the nations.

Day 36: Less-Reached Peoples of Kenya

By Brooke Miller

During this Secret Church on Good Friday, April 6, we are focusing our prayer time on the people of the Horn of Africa. Throughout the weeks leading up to Secret Church we will post information and prayer requests on this blog. We invite you to join us in learning about and praying for the people of the Horn.

Photo Courtesy of the IMB

Over the next two days, pray specifically for the following people groups in Kenya.
The Muslim Oromo-related peoples of the northeast have no churches among them.
The Rendille, Samburu, and Daasenach are largely pastoral, animistic peoples who live in the north and west parts of Kenya. There are very few believers among these people groups, but they are increasingly responding to the gospel.
Instability in Somalia has driven tens of thousands of Somalis into the northeast and cities of Kenya. They often bring their strife with them but are also more open to the gospel. Numerous Christian workers are reaching out to the Somali in Kenya.
The coastal Swahili and Arab populations are strongly Muslim and largely unreached. They tend to be quite resistant to outreach. Some Kenyan churches now minister to these groups.
Ways to Pray

• Pray for churches to be established among the Muslim Oromo peoples. Ask God to send Christ-followers from other people groups to witness among this group.
• Pray for well-led, culturally appropriate churches to be established among the Rendille, Samburu, and Daasenach.
• Pray for those working with Somalis in Kenya. Ask God to provide abundant opportunities for them to hear the gospel.
• Pray for Kenyan churches that are reaching out to Swahili and Arab peoples. Pray that they would share a testimony of truth, power, and love.

For more information about and ways to pray for the people of the Horn of Africa, visit Pray for the Horn.

Sunday's coming!!!!!

The Resurrection was not just an event... The Resurrectio is a Person!! The Person Jesus Christ!!! The Resurrection and the Life!!!
Sunday is coming!!!! Anticipation!! Sunday is coming!! praise the King!!!!!

Youcef

@baptistpress: Iran pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, still alive, passes 900th day in jail (could be executed for faith) http://t.co/jQAVviyM

Glory to God!!

The CROSS is the place where SIN met its match in the Sinless Son of God. Jesus won. Sin lost. We're saved." Mark Batterson
Glory to His Name!!!!

Prayer

@louiegiglio: "If only we knew what was happening when we pray we would never cease to pray." At the park with boys. Saw this. So true!!! Thanks for your prayers. Please continue to pray. Blessed Easter! Should be there for Sunday service. His, Linda

Update on Jack

God is so good! Jack had his MRI late morning and got back to the waiting room about 1:00PM. They read his MRI this afternoon and could find no tumors or anything. He still has seizures which he can possibly outgrow. He will stay on his liquid medication. Needless to say, this is absolutely great news. They were jumping with joy in Booneville when they got the MRI reading. We are thanking God for hearing our and your prayers. Linda and I and the family cannot thank you enough for standing with us before the throne for little, happy Jack. All praise be to Almighty God!

Good Friday

At the wonderful suggestion of Suzanne, all who are able will observe Good Friday together at the 6PM service and will gather after for fellowship and dessert! Anticipation!

E. J. Peters
epeters777@traffic-engineers.com
PETERS & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERS, INC.
5507 Ranch Drive - Suite 205
Little Rock, AR 72223
Voice: 501-868-3999 Ext. 101
Fax: 501-868-9710

Update on Jack

Jack went to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis late Thursday afternoon for an EEG, which means attaching electrodes to his head and checking the brain. Something was going on in the font two lobes of his brain, so Erin and Linda will be taking Emery and Jack back to Le Bonheur for an MRI on Monday morning at 9:30 AM. The doctors will read the MRI, and hopefully we should know the results by midweek.
I left for Booneville early Thursday morning and came back Saturday morning. I can report that Emery is doing fantastic and is a very pretty, contented little girl. Jack has had no more seizures since Wednesday or Thursday AM. I can't recall which day the last one was. Also, after the Le Bonheur EEG they put him on some kind of medication which is probably helping. Also, I can report that Jack is very active and learning to walk on his on, lots of ups and downs, and is a very happy little boy, with a smile on his face for everyone about 98% of the time.
Please continue to hold him up before the Lord. We know God is sovereign and loves Jack more than we ever could. We have to just leave him in His hands, but with these earthly emotional attachments we make, it's still difficult. The family does so appreciate your prayers, so please remember Monday morning.
Thanks and we love you all.

Lent

Saw this quote from Craig Groeschel...... "Jesus gave up everything for Lent.". Puts in great perspective our meager attempts to give up something for Lent. We love you all. He loved you to death. Praise His Name!

Jack

Jack, my daughter Erin's one year old is having episodic seizures, which are short seizures followed by him falling deep asleep. They have called his pediatrician and will probably be taking him to Tupelo to the hospital tonight. I'm sure tests will follow. Please hold Jack up in prayer, as well as his doctors, Erin, Erik, and the kids. God is good. Thank you all.

Grayson Picture and Jennifer Update

at the request of Suzanne.....Sunday was a glorious day...Grayson was baptized at Belleview Baptist in Memphis. The picture is taken in Honduras while he was there on a mission trip. He and a group of friends had just climbed a mountain and were seated at the foot of the cross.

Jennifer is home and doing extremely well. I am sure this is a result of many prayers on her behalf. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for her...it is one day at a time.

March 23 Community Group Meeting

Community Group will gather at Suzanne Patton's Friday March 23 &PM. Please let Suzanne know (614-6566) if your CANNOT be there. Thanks

Emery Elaine

Grandmother Linda and Grandfather Jim are proud to announce the birth of Emery Elaine (19" & 7 lb 4 oz) yesterday !! Praise our Lord Jesus !!!

Erin

Erin's fluid level keeps going down and they are going to meet the doctor at the hospital on Sunday aft to recheck her unless she goes on her own before that. She is dilating some so I am going over tomorrow so we will be ready for Sunday. They might wait until Mon or later but I doubt it. She will be only three weeks early on Monday which is pretty safe. Lots of info to say.... Pray for easy delivery and healthy baby and calm Grandma. Ha! I will be gone for a couple weeks but will check in.

Grayson and Prayer requests

Just stopping in to try to send you the picture of Grayson.... the miracle boy is being God's miracle in Nicaragua.... opps did I spell that right???  How cute is he and how his face shines in this picture.  Love it... Love God.

Now prayer requests....  continute to pray for Jennifer, Felicia, Jeremy, Little Kelly, the Browns, Dan and Dorothy... well.... all of us, right?  I will add Peyton who has cheerleading tryouts today (God's Will) and leaves tomorrow AM from Tulsa... for Guatemala for spring break.   Also for Erin who has some sickness in her house and is beginning to cramp and her water level in utero is going down.... so I will be going there soon, I think.  God knows!!!

Want to take this opportunity to tell you that I love you and appreciate you... your prayers, phone calls to check in on things and on Jennifer.  We need to stand in prayer together for all that is going on... seek His face and His will for the deliverance of all of those we pray for.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous and He delivers them out of them all.   Glory to His Name!!!!!

Community Group change

Community Group Meeting will be a Suzanne's this coming Friday, March 9th, at 7PM.  I will be out of town and Suzanne has graciously offered to have us at her home again. Last meeting was a great time of sharing and prayer.  Please let her know if you will not be able to come.  Thanks so much.
Please pray for Kristin's surgery on Wednesday around noon.  Again thanks so much. 
You are loved and appreciated.

This a post Erin put on her blog.  Please do not forget to pray for this family.  I praise God for you all who will take things straight to the throne of grace.  See you there.

Please pray for some sweet friends of ours from Excelsior who lost their 21 month old son, Mobley, tragically yesterday afternoon in an accidental drowning. Their names are Matt and Meagan. Matt was out of the country on business and is presently making his way back. He will get in late this evening. The whole situation is so difficult and tragic that I really don't have words. I just ask that any of you who happen upon this post will lift up my sweet friends. Meagan is the sweetest and kindest and most loving of mothers. She has a huge heart and was one of the first things I loved about being a part of Excelsior. Also, please pray for their other three children ~ Miles who is 9, Kayla who is 6, and Maggie who is 4. Thank you so much.

  
 

Please pray

Erin has a friend named Megan who is a precious Christian.  Her child who was almost 2 years old drowned yesterday in a culvert.  Her husband who works for AFR in Tupelo was in Scotland on business and is on his way home.  Please pray....  Unimaginable pain.....  Thanks!

Community Group Meeting Friday

Just to remind you that there is a Community Group Meeting at Suzanne's home at 7PM on Friday.  Please let her know if you are not able to come.  Thanks!!!!  Hope that you can make it!

Praise

Thanks for praying for us yesterday when we taught Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God for the second week at Hidden Creek. Whoa! Last week was tough.... This week was all God!!!! Praise His holy name! Pray that God continues to use the truths in their lives and in ours.

Community group meeting tomorrow night

Just to remind you that we are meeting tomorrow night at the city Smiths at 7PM. Let me know if you are coming unless you have already communicated with me.
This quote from Transforming prayer (one of many great quotes). "When it comes to our access to the throne of grace there is a very positive and powerful "all-inclusive" offer.". We have access to the throne of His marvelous grace.. No exceptions... It's available all the time.... Let's go there together tomorrow night.

Community Group Meeting

Community Group Meeting this Friday night at 7PM at the city Smiths. There is so much going on, and although we don't know what to do.... Or what to pray.... There is One who does. Let's come to Him together seeking His face, His will, His heart in it all, crying out to Him in prayer and in praise because of who He is..... He is Almighty God... His ways are perfect... When we are week He is strong.... he is Jehovah Jireh.... And Jehovah Rapha.... ANd He lives in us!!!! Glory to His name.

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Trisha Rowe

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Trisha Rowe'

You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2012/02/trisha-rowe-2/

You received this e-mail because you asked to be notified when new updates are
posted.
Best regards,
FSAdmin
rod@amdesign.com

[Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests] Trisha Rowe

Fellowship Sageworks Prayer Requests has posted a new item, 'Trisha Rowe'

You may view the latest post at
http://fellowshipsageworks.com/prayer/2012/02/trisha-rowe/

You received this e-mail because you asked to be notified when new updates are
posted.
Best regards,
FSAdmin
rod@amdesign.com

Dans dad's Memorial Service

Dan's dad's Memorial Service will be on Thursday afternoon at 1PM at the Bible Church. Please continue to pray for the family and that they will experience peace through this time.

We will be taking a meal to them on Wednesday evening. If I haven't contacted you please call me is you can help with the meal. Thanks so much.

Mel and Community Group info

Well, Mel has gone home to be with the Lord.  Absent from the body.... present with the Lord. What a blessed truth!! Continue to pray for Dan and Dorothy as they make arrangments for the funeral, etc.  and for that peace that passes understanding through it all.  We will be making plans to take a meal to them as soon as they set the day for the service, etc.  Thanks to all of you that have visited or taken something to them.

Also we will be having community group at our home this coming Friday night (City Smiths).  If you did not get a copy of the calendar and the group info (addresses, etc) you can get one Friday night, or I can send you a file by email.  Donna, Ernie, and Dan, yours are on the way in an email as I write. 

I am sorry that I am a little behind right now.  Thanks for your patience.   Please let me know if you will be here on Friday night.   Thanks, again.

Jim the Birthday Boy !

Happy Birthday Jim Brown 
January 21, 2012 !!!!

Dan's Dad

Dan's dad is settled in at the Hospice Home Care facility on Bowman Road.  Please continue to pray for him..There is one issue that we also need to pray about concerning Medicare.  Medicare will not pay for him at this facility unless no other nursing home will take him with the "no feeding tube" stipulation.  The law in Arkansas is such that no nursing home is supposed to take him with this stipulation (which is reserved for hospice care....) so it should not be a problem.  But by law the Hospice Home Care must call all other nursing homes in the area to make sure they will not take him.  Dorothy asks us to pray that they do not find one that will take him since he is settled there and they are, of course, wanting medicare to pay for him from the first day.  Soooo let's take that to the Lord.  ( I pray that I explained it correctly and so that it is clear.)  Thanks for your prayers for this and other things pertaining to Mel's gentle and peaceful homegoing.  To Him be the glory.

a must read

http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7455943/believing-tim-tebow

 This is the website of a story by Rick Reilly on espn.  It is about Tim Tebow and is inspirational and challenging..... a must read even if you are not a sports fan.  Rick Reilly wrote a story a few weeks before with a negative slant about Tim Tebow.  Let's see what changed his mind....  hmmm!   Living out our faith before man.  Glory to God!

Dan's Dad

Dan's dad was to be moved to the Hospice Care facility on Bowman last night.  That is the same one that Donna's mom and Suzanne's dad were in when they went home.  I am assuming that the move was accomplished.   Please keep them all in prayer and that His homegoing will be gentle and sweet as he goes to meet his Savior face to face.  Praise the Lord!

Prayer requests

Dan says that his dad is doing a little better.  He had the test run this morning so Dan will let us know when the doctor calls with the results.  Please keep them all in prayer.  Dorothy's vertigo is acting up a little and is very tired.

Also here is some info and a prayer request from Voice of the Martyrs.  Saints, part of our body is suffering in unimaginable ways.  Let's not forget their suffering.. Heb 13:3

GaoZhisheng Yang Rongli     Ilmurad Nuriev

Location: China Arrested: February 2009 Days Imprisoned: 210 Unknown Print Fact Sheet 08/24/2009 Update 03/31/2010 Update Since 2005, Gao has been repeatedly arrested, imprisoned and severely tortured by Chinese authorities, mostly for his human rights work. In 2006, he and a group of prominent human rights lawyers created the Association of Human Rights Attorneys for Chinese Christians. That same year, Gao was sentenced to five years of probation for inciting “subversion of the state.” After serving three years in prison, Gao was supposedly released on probation but he disappeared for extended periods of time. In 2007, he was arrested and spent over 50 days behind bars where he was tortured. “I was beaten so badly that my whole body began shaking uncontrollably on the floor,” Gao wrote in an open letter. Gao last reappears out of police custody in April 2010. He told the Associated Press that he had been shunted between detention centers, farmhouses and apartments across northern China. Security forces repeatedly abused him, beating him with electric batons, pistol-whipping him and holding burning cigarettes close to his eyes. “Not only is it now extremely difficult for me to make my voice heard, but it is also extremely dangerous,” Gao wrote in an essay in 2009. “In the past three-plus years, the authorities invested a great deal of manpower, physical resources and funds, and employed the most merciless methods, to achieve their goal of silencing me.”

Prayer request from Dan

Just a note to tell you that on Friday Dan's dad almost died from pneumonia.  He was taken to Baptist hospital where he remains today.  The problem is his inability to swallow which untimately causes the pneumonia.  He will have a swallow test today, and if he fails that test he will probably go to Hospice.  Please pray for him and the whole family as they go through this time.  Dan said that Dorothy is doing okay, but is very tired.  God be her strength!!! 

Also don't forget that community group is Friday night at Suzanne's.  There is much to pray about....  and much to praise God for in this new year.    Also please pray for me as I prepare for a workshop in Benton on Friday and Saturday.  Thank you so much.

Next Community Group meeting

Praise God, here we are at the beginning of a new year. His mercies are new every year and every morning. Great is His faithfulness!!!

Ou first meeting of the New Year is planned for January 13th at Suzanne Patton's home. Yes, Suzanne, has invited us to her home again.... Thanks, Suzanne! Please let me know how that date is for you all.

Read this somewhere.... "Your greatest achievements in the coming year will not be what you do but what God does in you and through you for His glory.". Let's pray that this year... that He will great things in us and through us not for us but for Him!!!!!