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	<title>The Prayer Link</title>
	
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		<title>Saturday</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/Zn_Vl4TKXoU/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/20/saturday-106/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:19:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Praises, Requests, & Updates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3784</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
~Matthew 6:8 (NIV)~

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

Welcome spring, my favorite season of the year!  I like the time of rebirth of plants that is so evident at this time.  It is a reminder of the rebirth we can have in our spiritual lives too!
A Day with Annie Armstrong
http://www.sbclife.net/articles/2001/02/sla3.asp
Enjoy the first [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>~Matthew 6:8 (NIV)~</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>CaringBridge</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Welcome spring, my favorite season of the year!  I like the time of rebirth of plants that is so evident at this time.  It is a reminder of the rebirth we can have in our spiritual lives too!</p>
<p>A Day with Annie Armstrong</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbclife.net/articles/2001/02/sla3.asp" target="_blank">http://www.sbclife.net/articles/2001/02/sla3.asp</a></p>
<p><strong>Enjoy the first day of spring! </strong></p>
<p><strong>Anna Lee</strong></p>
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		<title>Friday Afternoon</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/HF1cROmkdrE/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/19/friday-afternoon-41/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:03:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Death Notice(s)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Praises, Requests, & Updates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3781</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Micah Simpson
We just got back from Children’s Hospital and received some very wonderful news. His extra rib is growing, but it is growing in the right direction. The direction that it is growing in is an outward way instead of the inward way. Which means instead of taking the rib, they would only shave the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Micah Simpson</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">We just got back from Children’s Hospital and received some very wonderful news. His extra rib is growing, but it is growing in the right direction. The direction that it is growing in is an outward way instead of the inward way. Which means instead of taking the rib, they would only shave the little piece off if it started to bother him.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Thanks for your prayers,<br />
Marty &amp; Gretchen Simpson</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p>Mr. Billy Brabham</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Mr. Billy&#8217;s biopsy procedure went well.  He&#8217;ll be headed home this afternoon and getting results Tuesday.  Keep him in your prayers.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p><strong>Sudie Rimes Phillips</strong><br />
(September 30, 1925 &#8211; March 19, 2010)</p>
<p>Sudie Rimes Phillips a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and sister was born September 30, 1925 and passed away at 9:30 a.m., Friday, March 19, 2010 at North Oaks Hospital, Hammond. She was 84, a native and resident of Kentwood.</p>
<p>Mrs. Sudie is survived by her 4 daughters, Ginger Travis and husband, Tommy, Kentwood; Kathy Harrell and husband, Bruce, Kentwood; Marcia Vogler and husband, Rick, Mandeville and Janet Meyer and husband, Jimmy, Hammond; 2 sons, Adrian Phillips and wife, Lauree, Kentwood and Dennis Phillips and wife, Cindy, Kentwood; 1 brother, Clyde Rimes and wife, Iola, Garland, TX; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.</p>
<p>She is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Lea Phillips, Jr. her parents, Samuel and Smythie Dykes Rimes; 1 sons, Clyde Lea Phillips, Jr., granddaughter, Cheryl Phillips; a grandson, Davy Travis; 3 sisters and 4 brothers.</p>
<p>Visitation at Pine Ridge Methodist Church, Tangipahoa, on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Monday, March 22, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Kevin Smith officiating. Interment in the Pine Ridge Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. McKneely &amp; Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.</p>
<p>An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com</p>
<p>McKneely &amp; Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom&#8217;s Car Wash.</p>
<p><strong>Margaret Anderson Miller</strong><br />
(April 8, 1918 &#8211; March 19, 2010)</p>
<p>A resident of Hillsdale, she died at 5:07 a.m. on Friday, March 19, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born April 8, 1918 in Lucian, MS and was 91 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and at Hillsdale Baptist Church, Hillsdale, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Hillsdale Cemetery, Hillsdale. She is survived by her daughter, Joann Hartner, Greensburg; 2 sons, Alvin Miller, Belton, TX and Glenn Miller, Roseland; 2 sisters, Leona Settone, Baton Rouge and Betty Carter, Greensburg; 8 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivy A. Miller; parents, James and Florence Anderson; 3 brothers, J.C., Bill and Ed Anderson; 5 sisters, Amanda Saint, Nell Anderson, Myrtle Dreher, Catherine Anderson and Lillie Henderson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillsdale Baptist Church Building Fund.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Friday</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/Lz_rEjG5ka0/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/19/friday-108/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:44:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Death Notice(s)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Praises, Requests, & Updates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3778</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Call to me and I will answer you. 
I&#8217;ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things
 that you could never figure out on your own. 
~Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)~



Micah Simpson
We are going to take Micah to the doctor at Children&#8217;s Hospital tomorrow morning for an
appointment for a check up on his extra rib.
Pray that everything will be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Call to me and I will answer you. </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I&#8217;ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> that you could never figure out on your own. </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>~Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)~</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><br />
</em></strong></p>
<p>Micah Simpson</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">We are going to take Micah to the doctor at Children&#8217;s Hospital tomorrow morning for an<br />
appointment for a check up on his extra rib.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Pray that everything will be okay.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Thanks, Marty &amp; Gretchen Simpson</p>
<p>The Tolleson family received good news.  Micah&#8217;s brain tumor in benign.  He will soon be able to return to his normal routine.  Thank you so much for praying for him.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.</p>
<p>Mr. Billy Brabham will have a biopsy at 8:00 this morning.  Please be in prayer.</p>
<p><strong>Josephine Guzzardo Levatino</strong><br />
(August 25, 1926 &#8211; March 17, 2010)</p>
<p>A native and resident of Independence died on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge at the age of 83 years. Visitation at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 11 a.m. on Friday until religious services at 12 Noon Friday. Services conducted by Fr. Howard Adkins. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence. Survived by sister, Virginia G. Henderson and her husband, Buddy, Prairieville, 3 brothers, Sam Guzzardo and his wife, Jennie, Baton Rouge, Guy Guzzardo, Baton Rouge, Mike Guzzardo and his wife, Virginia, Tickfaw, sister-in-law, Phenie Guzzardo, step-daughter, Barbara L. Navarra and her husband, Roy, Independence. Preceded in death by husband, John Levatino, parents, John and Maggie Guzzardo, brother, Joe Guzzardo, sister-in-law, June Guzzardo.</p>
<p><strong>Darrell Joseph Cuti</strong><br />
(May 26, 1981 &#8211; March 17, 2010)</p>
<p>Darrell Joseph Cuti was born May 26, 1981 and passed away at 12:25 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at his residence. He was 28, a native of Jackson, MS and a resident of Amite.</p>
<p>Darrell is survived by his mother, Rickie C. Mullendore and husband, Paul, Amite; 2 sisters, Donna C. Kelsey and husband, Brennan, Amite and Marcy Cutrer and husband, Brian, Amite; 2 nieces, Kayla Kelsey and Nicole Cutrer both of Amite; 3 nephews, Brennan Kelsey, Bray Cutrer, and Keegan Kelsey all of Amite; grandmother, Mrs. Marcelle Cuti, Amite; step-sister, Lynette Edwards and husband, Keith, Wilmer; step-nieces and nephews, Allison, Elizabeth and Russell Edwards of Wilmer; and numerous aunts and uncles of who loved him dearly.</p>
<p>Preceded in death by his father, Salvador Cuti, Jr.; twin brother, Darren Cuti; grandfather, Sam Cuti; grandmother, Verdie Duncan; and cousin, Christopher Coon.</p>
<p>Visitation at the McKneely &amp; Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Rusty Durand officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.</p>
<p>An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video tribute is available at www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com</p>
<p>McKneely &amp; Vaughn Funeral home, Amite is located at I-55N &amp; Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bill Hood Automotive.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Kne<img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&amp;ik=21ced0711c&amp;view=att&amp;th=127721111b2e5118&amp;attid=0.1&amp;disp=emb&amp;zw" alt="" />Email</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>&#8220;At the name of Jesus every knee should bow&#8230;&#8221; Philippians 2:10</strong></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Mike Benson, Editor</strong></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">WHEN THE X-RAY comes back and it doesn&#8217;t look good, remember&#8230;God is still faithful&#8230;</span></strong></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">When you read that heart-breaking note from your mate, remember&#8230;God is still faithful.</span></span></strong></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">When you hear the worst kind of news about one of your children, remember&#8230;God is still faithful.</span></span></span></strong></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: 800;">He has not abandoned you, though you&#8217;re tempted to think He has.  <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Charles Swindoll</span></span></p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 800;"><em>&#8220;God is faithful, </em></span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 800;"><em>by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, </em></span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 800;"><em>Jesus Christ our Lord.&#8221;</em></span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 800;"><em> </em> 1 Corinthians 1:9</span></h1>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 800;">This devotional is dedicated to my Texas relatives who have been through so many problems.  It is their testimony and the testimony of many others who have faced lots of &#8220;valley&#8221; experiences.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 800;">Anna Lee</span></p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~4/Lz_rEjG5ka0" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Thursday</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/yG4da9jzTqk/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/18/thursday-106/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:07:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Death Notice(s)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Praises, Requests, & Updates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3775</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You know how troubled I am; 
you have kept a record of my tears. 
Psalm 56:6 (Good News)
This verse doesn&#8217;t describe my need today, but I know people who are in great need now.  God knows too.  He even knows the number of tears they have shed.
CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

Cheryl Hughes Green reports that her sister, Linda, is at [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>You know how troubled I am; </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>you have kept a record of my tears. </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Psalm 56:6 (Good News)</em></strong></p>
<p>This verse doesn&#8217;t describe my need today, but I know people who are in great need now.  God knows too.  He even knows the number of tears they have shed.</p>
<p>CaringBridge</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Cheryl Hughes Green reports that her sister, <strong>Linda,</strong> is at their parent&#8217;s home and recovering from her surgery.  <strong>John Green</strong> is also recovering well from his dental surgery.</p>
<p><strong>Mr. Billy Brabham</strong> will be undergoing more tests and beginning treatment next week.  Please keep him and his family in your prayers.</p>
<p>This is the day<strong> Jameson Parrino&#8217;s</strong> surgery has been rescheduled for.  Pray for all to go well and for the surgery to help him feel better after his recovery period.</p>
<p><strong>Nunzio Joseph Ruffino</strong><br />
(August 3, 1926 &#8211; March 16, 2010)</p>
<p>Nunzio Joseph Ruffino was born on August 3, 1926 and passed away on March 16, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Arnone Ruffino, Amite; a daughter, Rose Ruffino, Amite, his son, Louis Ruffino and his wife, Glenda, Hammond; a brother, Louis Ruffino and his wife, Josie, Baton Rouge; a sister, Mary Checchin, Chicago, IL; four grandchildren, Courtney Putnam and her husband, Alan, Florence, TX, Brett Ruffino and his wife, Michele, Longview, TX, Carrie Smith and her husband, Drew, Canton, GA and Blake Ruffino, Hammond, LA; and his four great grandchildren, Andrew and Addison Smith, Morgan Ruffino and Wyatt Putnam. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Loretta Ruffino, 4 brothers, John, Tony, Joe and Sam, and as well as 5 sisters Rose, Pamella, Lucy, Josie, and Stella. As a young man, Nunzio enlisted in the Army serving mainly in the Philippine Islands and was honorably discharged in the mid 1940&#8217;s. After returning home from the Army, Nunzio returned to the family farm whereby he quickly became known as a major farmer of strawberries and peppers. Nunzio was a tireless worker in everything that he did. From the family farm, to the local business that he and his wife ran in downtown Amite for 20+ years, to the &#8220;inventory manager&#8221; at his son&#8217;s Ruffino Auto Supply in Roseland in the mid 1980&#8217;s. As time passed, Nunzio&#8217;s will power continued to get stronger and he just never quit working. A crutch under one arm and a rake in the other, Nunzio worked tirelessly on his most prized possession, his yard. He was honored on multiple occasions with the monthly &#8220;Garden of the Month&#8221; which he cherished. As the years have past, forcing Nunzio inside, he had to become more dependant on others to assist him. No one did this better than his beloved wife Josephine and his favorite &#8220;men&#8221;: The Amite City Fire Department. The Ruffino family wants to send it&#8217;s deepest appreciation for the Amite City Fire Department for the compassion they&#8217;ve shown to take care of our &#8220;POP&#8221;: Nunzio Joseph Ruffino. The family would also like to send it&#8217;s deepest appreciation to all of the Home Health Nurses, Dr. Malik Spady, Dr. Susan Zaccharia, and a special thanks to Dr. Judd Patton of Mary Bird Perkins in Baton Rouge. You took care of him and we can&#8217;t thank you enough. God Bless you &#8220;POP&#8221; and don&#8217;t worry, we&#8217;ll take care of your yard! The Ruffino Family would like to invite friends and family to the visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. until 12:40 p.m. on Saturday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 1 p.m. on Saturday conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment will follow at the Amite Memorial Gardens.</p>
<p>I hoped you marked your calendar to come enjoy <strong>food, fellowship, and a devotional</strong> tonight at the cabin at 6:30.  We treasure these times and hope you will want to join us.</p>
<p><strong>WMU Biography of Annie Armstrong Easter Offering</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.wmu.com/index.php?q=content/corresponding-secretariesexecutive-directors#annie" target="_blank">http://www.wmu.com/index.php?q=content/corresponding-secretariesexecutive-directors#annie</a></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Kne<img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&amp;ik=21ced0711c&amp;view=att&amp;th=1276d2bac339a610&amp;attid=0.1&amp;disp=emb&amp;zw" alt="" />Email</strong></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>t the name of Jesus every knee should bow&#8230;&#8221; Philippians 2:10</strong></span></strong></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Mike Benson, Editor</span></strong></span></strong></span></span></strong></p>
<h4>I PLAYED FOOTBALL in college&#8230;</h4>
<h4>I wasn&#8217;t very big&#8211;only 150 pounds&#8211;and I wasn&#8217;t very good.  I got hurt a lot.  I broke my arm once, my neck once, and my nose six times.</h4>
<h4>When I tell people about it, they always ask me, &#8220;Why did you keep doing it?&#8221;</h4>
<h4>For the longest time I had no answer.</h4>
<h4>Then one day it hit me.  If there hadn&#8217;t been any fans in the stands cheering me on&#8211;my family and friends&#8211;I wouldn&#8217;t have kept playing and trying so hard.  But there were, so I did.  <span>Tom Malone, former President and COO of Milliken and Company</span></h4>
<h4>But Moses&#8217; hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it.  And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.&#8221; Exodus 17:12</h4>
<p><strong>I hope this devotional thought by Mike Benson encourages you to &#8220;wear your cheerleader uniform&#8221; more often.  Encouraging others makes a big difference to them and to you!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Have a satisfying Thursday!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Anna Lee</strong></p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~4/yG4da9jzTqk" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Wednesday</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/4W8QS7ftUVo/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/17/wednesday-112/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:25:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Praises, Requests, & Updates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3772</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“Rejoice always, 
pray without ceasing,
 in everything give thanks; 
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~


CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
http://www.anniearmstrong.com/atf/cf/%7B6FDE9F58-4DC8-4452-A4C3-E5106CE6BDE1%7D/Annie_where_it_goes.pdf


Have a great day!
Anna Lee
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>“Rejoice always, </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>pray without ceasing,</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> in everything give thanks; </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p>CaringBridge</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http:/http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris</a></li>
<li><a href="http:/http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Annie Armstrong Easter Offering</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a href="http:/http://www.anniearmstrong.com/atf/cf/%7B6FDE9F58-4DC8-4452-A4C3-E5106CE6BDE1%7D/Annie_where_it_goes.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.anniearmstrong.com/atf/cf/%7B6FDE9F58-4DC8-4452-A4C3-E5106CE6BDE1%7D/Annie_where_it_goes.pdf</a></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p>Have a great day!</p>
<p>Anna Lee</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~4/4W8QS7ftUVo" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Tuesday Afternoon</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/2707ysEvs5U/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/16/wednesday-afternoon-32/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:38:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Death Notice(s)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Praises, Requests, & Updates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3768</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wanda Cage, a staff member at KHS, is undergoing surgery now.  Pray for her, those working with her, and her family.
Jameson Parinno&#8217;s surgery has been rescheduled for Thursday,
Lawana Carter is undergoing some medical tests.  Please add her to your prayer list.
Evelyn Whitley McDaniel
(March 4, 1924 &#8211; March 15, 2010)
Evelyn Whitley McDaniel moved to her heavenly [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Wanda Cage</strong>, a staff member at KHS, is undergoing surgery now.  Pray for her, those working with her, and her family.</p>
<p><strong>Jameson Parinno</strong>&#8217;s surgery has been rescheduled for Thursday,</p>
<p><strong>Lawana Carter</strong> is undergoing some medical tests.  Please add her to your prayer list.</p>
<p><strong>Evelyn Whitley McDaniel</strong><br />
(March 4, 1924 &#8211; March 15, 2010)</p>
<p>Evelyn Whitley McDaniel moved to her heavenly home at 10:25 p.m. on March 15, 2010 at the age of 86. A native of Jackson, MS and a resident of Kentwood, LA, she was a member of East Fork Baptist Church. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Malone Williams of Kentwood, LA, son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Joyce McDaniel of Denham Springs, LA, 3 granddaughters, Leann Lindsey and husband, Jerry, Lida Marie McDaniel and Neil Bullock, and Rebecca McDaniel, and great-grandchildren, Brady and Anna Lindsey, Donovan Bullock, and Zoey McDaniel. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert K. McDaniel, Jr., parents, Joseph and Ethel Whitley, a daughter Byrl Katherine McDaniel, and son William David “Bill” McDaniel, brothers John, Elmo, Holle, and Eric Whitley, sisters Wilma Sanderson, Ethel Brown, Lillie Oaks, and Margaret Whitley. A memorial service, conducted by Dr. Danny Ray Smith will be held at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2010 with visitation starting at 6 p.m. Memorial gifts can be made to the Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 72937 Hwy 1061, Kentwood, LA 70444.</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~4/2707ysEvs5U" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Wednesday</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/PRyIIlWm2S8/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/16/wednesday-111/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:13:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baptist Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Devotional]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3765</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Encourage one another daily &#8230; 
so that none of you may be hardened by sin&#8217;s deceitfulness. 
~Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)~
TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
MARCH 16, 2010
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)
WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Encourage one another daily &#8230; </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>so that none of you may be hardened by sin&#8217;s deceitfulness. </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>~Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)~</em></strong></p>
<p>TODAY’S PRAYER<br />
IMB<br />
MARCH 16, 2010</p>
<p>“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)</p>
<p>WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia (western Africa).</p>
<p>CITY OF NEW HOPE, CHINA. Another student fellowship/church will soon start in the southeast area of the city where no student fellowship exists. That area has been surveyed, and the new work may begin in April. Please pray for the young couple who will take the leadership of this new fellowship/church.</p>
<p>WINDWARD ISLANDS. The Windward Islands Team writes: “We thank God for the Baptist and many other evangelical churches present on the island of Grenada. Still, there is much darkness among many of the Grenadian people who ‘have a form of godliness’ but deny the life-changing power of the Gospel in their lives. Please pray for two new Baptist church plants in Balthazar and Requin, asking that the power of the Gospel will truly transform lives and produce multiplying disciples for Jesus. Pray for IMB colleagues as they seek to inventory and determine the Great Commission vision and involvement of Great Commission Christians on the island for future mobilization toward engaging unengaged unreached people groups (UUPGs) in the Americas and beyond.”</p>
<p>For additional prayer requests, click here: <a href="http://youradmin.imbresources.org/index.cfm/fa/ct.go/LID/35744/m/8539/sID/6602JA425A464650A0A040441.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800080;">imb.org/todaysprayer</span></a></p>
<div id="_mcePaste">Baptist Press Stories for Mar. 15, 2010</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</div>
<div></div>
<div id="_mcePaste">Chilean pastor wept after quake, then got to work</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32496</div>
<div id="_mcePaste"></div>
<div>Haitian judge weighs new charge for Silsby</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32497</div>
<div id="_mcePaste"></div>
<div>Church planters persevere in Puerto Rico</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32498</div>
<div id="_mcePaste"></div>
<div>GCRTF VIEWPOINT: &#8216;It would devastate us,&#8217; Ala. evangelism director says</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32499</div>
<div id="_mcePaste"></div>
<div>GCRTF VIEWPOINT: Iowa executive director, &#8216;Before writing us off&#8230;&#8217;</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32500</div>
<div id="_mcePaste"></div>
<div>FIRST-PERSON: Cooperation is not &#8217;self-centered, self-promoting&#8217;</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32501</div>
<div id="_mcePaste"></div>
<div>D.C. &#8216;gay marriage&#8217; law could be reversed</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32502</div>
<div id="_mcePaste"></div>
<div>Church remembers slain pastor Winters</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32503</div>
<div id="_mcePaste"></div>
<div>FIRST-PERSON: Alcohol &amp; the church (part 1)</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32504</div>
<div id="_mcePaste"></div>
<div>FIRST-PERSON: Dangers of solo shepherding</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32505</div>
<p>Please take time to read this devotional about being an encourager.  I think it will give you guidance for today.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http:/http://www.forthright.net/kneemail/2009/07/encouragement.html" target="_blank">http://www.forthright.net/kneemail/2009/07/encouragement.html</a></span></span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Have a terrific Tuesday!</span></span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anna Lee</span></span></strong></span></span></p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~4/PRyIIlWm2S8" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Monday Afternoon</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/aCmDqm42L4M/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/15/monday-afternoon-45/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:04:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Death Notice(s)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Praises, Requests, & Updates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3762</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Jameson Parrino&#8217;s surgery to remove his tonsils today did not happen because the doctor had a death in the family.  Pray for him and his family during this time of delay.
Aileen Hano Kliesch
(June 2, 1935 &#8211; March 15, 2010)
A resident of Kentwood, LA, died at 12:15 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2010 at Southwest Mississippi [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Jameson Parrino&#8217;s</strong> surgery to remove his tonsils today did not happen because the doctor had a death in the family.  Pray for him and his family during this time of delay.</p>
<p><strong>Aileen Hano Kliesch</strong><br />
(June 2, 1935 &#8211; March 15, 2010)</p>
<p>A resident of Kentwood, LA, died at 12:15 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2010 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. She was born June 2, 1935 in Bains, LA and was 74 years of age. Visitation at Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Milton Kliesch and Rev. Joe Warden. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. She is survived by her husband, Herbert Arthur Kliesch; 3 sons, Ivan Dwight Kliesch, Bruce Woodrow Kliesch and Dan Nathan Kliesch and his wife, Marta, all of Kentwood; mother, Bertie W. Hano, Kentwood; brother, Luther Hano and his wife, Annette, Roseland; 2 grandchildren, Sarah and Sterling Hagan. She was preceded in death by her father, Lafayette Hano</p>
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		<title>Monday</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/I7TmQtWyy88/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/15/monday-102/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:49:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Praises, Requests, & Updates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3759</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“But God proves His own love for us 
in that while we were still sinners 
Christ died for us!” 
~Romans 5:8, HCSB~
Cheryl Hart Pierre
My sister, Cheryl Hart Pierre, is in need of prayer. Cheryl is going through medical tests concerning a very serious health problem. She and all of her family appreciate every prayer that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>“But God proves His own love for us </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>in that while we were still sinners </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Christ died for us!” </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>~Romans 5:8, HCSB~</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>Cheryl Hart Pierre</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">My sister, Cheryl Hart Pierre, is in need of prayer. Cheryl is going through medical tests concerning a very serious health problem. She and all of her family appreciate every prayer that is prayed in her behalf. A cat scan is scheduled for Tuesday and then she will see the surgeon on Wednesday. I will post an update after she talks with the surgeon. I also really appreciate and sense the power of prayer for Cheryl.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Thank you<br />
Fay Raborn</p>
<p>From Cheryl Hughes Green</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">They postponed <strong>Linda’</strong>s surgery Friday to yesterday around 12:30pm. She is doing well and should be able to come home Monday. Thanks for all who have said a prayer for her.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>John</strong> is also improving everyday. Only one side of his face is still swollen.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Thanks again to everyone who lifted our family up in prayer. God bless.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Cheryl</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p>CaringBridge</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Annie Armstrong Easter Offering</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering<sup>®</sup> is much more than an offering envelope and an annual missions-giving emphasis. When people give to the offering, 100 percent of their gift will be transformed into missionary salaries and ministry supplies. Those missionaries and supplies will help others hear the message of Christ and respond in faith to His offer of salvation. Time and again our missionaries relate how the offering is their lifeblood. They know that behind each penny given, there is a Southern Baptist who believes in what they do and are affirming the need to equip them to share the gospel with those who need a Savior.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p><strong>Join us</strong> at the cabin Thursday night at 6:30 for food, fellowship, and a devotional.</p>
<p>Have a great day!</p>
<p>Anna Lee</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~4/I7TmQtWyy88" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Sunday</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePrayerLink/~3/X0H6M0tYLU4/</link>
		<comments>http://theprayerlink.com/index.php/2010/03/14/sunday-106/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:36:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna Lee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Praises, Requests, & Updates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://theprayerlink.com/?p=3755</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart 
in full assurance of faith, h
aving our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us 
from a guilty conscience 
and having our bodies washed with pure water.
 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, 
for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10: 22-23 (NIV)


CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh/journal (You can read [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>22 let us draw near to God</em></strong><strong><em><a name="1"></a> with a sincere heart </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>in full assurance of faith,</em></strong><strong><em><a name="2"></a> h</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>aving our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>from a guilty conscience</em></strong><strong><em><a name="3"></a> </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>and having our bodies washed with pure water.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> </em></strong><strong><em><a name="4"></a>23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope</em></strong><strong><em><a name="5"></a> we profess,</em></strong><strong><em><a name="6"></a> </em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>for he who promised is faithful.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Hebrews 10: 22-23 (NIV)</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><br />
</em></strong></p>
<p>CaringBridge</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh/journal" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh/journal</a> (You can read Hebrews 10: 22-23 at the top of The Prayer Link today.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Micah Tolleson&#8217;s family</strong> has learned a lesson the past two weeks.  They are now more careful to tell each other how much they love and appreciate each other.  through all the problems and unanswered questions, God has been so faithful to all of the family!</p>
<h4>Annie Armstron Easter Offering</h4>
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<td width="100%" align="left" valign="top"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>Winning souls in Arizona<br />
Missionary Louis Spears did not let the tragic, sudden death in 2008 of his wife, Shelley, sidetrack his ministry to multihousing residents and &#8220;gypsies&#8221; in the greater Phoenix, Arizona, area.<br />
By Mickey Noah<br />
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>As a Southern Baptist pastor for the last 30 years – and as a North American Mission Board missionary for the past six – Louis Spears has conducted many a funeral. But none of them prepared him for the long, lonely walk behind his wife’s casket almost two years ago.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>A native of Guthrie, Okla., Spears and his wife, Shelley, had been married for 32 years – ever since they were both 20-year-old church planters in Oklahoma. But in May 2008, she succumbed to a pancreas-related illness only 11 days after its sudden onset.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“Shelley was an incredible person, a woman of many talents,” says Spears. “The main thing I miss about Shelley – other than just being together as not only my spouse but also my best friend – is the amount of prayer-time she spent on my ministry. She was really my partner in ministry. It’s a huge loss and huge gap in my life.”</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>Spears’ strong, tried-and-true personal faith prevented him from caving in to the temptation of chucking his whole ministry and blaming God in the process.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“I never thought about blaming God. I was not mad at God. The worst thing was being totally cut off from Shelley, missing her encouragement and positive reinforcement.”</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>Still after almost two years, the 54-year-old missionary said the grief is still “like big ocean waves that just swell up over you and you can’t fight them, but you know the Lord is the Lord, that He is supreme, and that in His design, He had a purpose for it.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“I can’t see it and I don’t understand it but I really don’t argue with Him about it. I really tried during Shelley’s 11-day crisis and through the last year to live my life without regrets. I didn’t leave anything undone or unsaid,” said Spears, who has a 24-year-old daughter, Amy, one grandchild and another on the way.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>Spears is one of some 5,300 missionaries in the United States, Canada and their territories supported by the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® for North American Missions. He is among the North American Mission Board missionaries featured as part of the annual Week of Prayer, March 7-14, 2010. This year’s theme is “Live with Urgency: Share God’s Transforming Power.” The 2010 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering’s goal is $70 million, 100 percent of which benefits missionaries like Spears.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>While no one or nothing can ever replace the vacuum in his life caused by Shelley’s death, Spears depends on his challenging missionary work in Arizona to take up some of the slack, ease the pain and bring new victories.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>With an estimated 71 percent of Arizona residents as unbelievers, Spears, a church planting strategist with the Valley Rim Baptist Association, faces a huge challenge. In addition to Mesa, the association serves 50 churches and missions in the Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler and Gilbert areas of metro Phoenix.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>Because land and buildings are so expensive in the greater Phoenix area, Spears focuses on planting “tactical” churches instead of brick-and-mortar churches, which can financially strap a congregation with huge indebtedness in its infancy and make survival more difficult.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“Tactical churches are collections of people who have not been reached before,” Spears explains. “We try to target an area where the Kingdom of God hasn’t been before. Some may be apartment complexes, mobile home parks, house churches or just a gathering of people at a Starbuck’s.”</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>According to Spears, the Phoenix area is the 12</strong></span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>th</strong></span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong> largest metro area in the United States. “We’re in a vast multicultural setting. We have a lot of unchurched, unsaved individuals.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“We’re way behind on the number of churches we need in order to impact these individuals’ lives. We have only one church for every 23,000 people in Arizona. Since we don’t have many churches that run 23,000 every week, it’s vital for us to have funds to do evangelistic outreach, buy Bibles and other resources to help posture the churches we do have.”</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>Evangelical Christians – of which Southern Baptists represent the largest group – only represent two percent of the state’s population, trailing Catholics and Mormons.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“We have some churches that are in senior adult communities. We have multi-ethnic churches like Native American, Filipino and African-American churches. We have a large Spanish-speaking population. Over 35 percent of the people in Arizona speak Spanish.”</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>On top of the diversity, the uncertainty in the Phoenix area housing market is driving people to multihousing developments – whether apartments, townhouses, condominium communities or mobile home parks.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“Statistics show that only a small percentage of those people will ever come out and go to anyone’s church, so we believe it’s important to take church to them,” says Spears.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>Spears begins by meeting a multihousing development’s property managers &#8212; to get in from the ground up and establish good working relationships.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“We begin by asking the managers what their needs are,” he said. “We try not to assume that we know the industry better than the people who work in it. Most apartment communities know how to evict people, know how to charge the rent, know how to handle air conditioning problems and pest control. But what they don’t understand is the human element.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“They lose money every time somebody moves so by building a ministry and a partnership with them, it helps to build a sense of community. The people are more likely to stay,” Spears said.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>To assist both the property managers and the tenants themselves, Spears and his team do things like forming kid’s clubs in the afternoon to give them a place to go and something meaningful to do. They often provide lunch to latch-key children, who are on a break from school and whose parents work. Afternoon soccer games are offered. Summer sports camps via mobile trailers can be deployed to various multihousing communities.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>An offshoot of Spears work with multihousing communities was his introduction to the Travelers, the substantial “gypsy” culture and population of Arizona.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>Spears says outsiders like him are usually not successful at trying to approach and penetrate the closed gypsy culture. “American gypsies actually discovered me and began to attend our church in Mesa,” he explains. “Eventually, I was accepted into their fascinating culture.”</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>The gypsy mission field is a natural extension of Spears’ missions work in multihousing since so many gypsies travel in RVs and live in mobile home parks throughout southern Arizona because of the area’s warmer winters.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“People who give through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering help supply a base of church planters and allow them to have a living while they’re beginning to build new congregations,” said Spears.</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><strong>“Without the Annie Armstrong offering, I would be able to devote only a fraction of the time to tactical church plants, and even less to reaching the Travelers (gypsies) population. But because of the offering, in addition to my salary, I receive training, materials for evaluation and training, demographics for new and existing church areas, and am able to network with other church planters across the country.”</strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><em>Mickey Noah is a writer for the North American Mission Board.</em></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Have a great Lord&#8217;s Day!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Anna Lee</p>
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