The Flannel Board

Praise!

2010-02-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

This is the latest on Paulette Manning's brother-in-law. They are very appreciative of all prayers.

02/19/2010

After weeks of in hospital recovery Everette was released from Kendrid Hospital in San Antonio. He will continue with out patient therapy at NIOSA in San Antonio 5 days per week for 3 weeks then Everette will be re-evaluated to see if he needs additional outpatient therapy.

Everette has been touched by the hand of God and has made a remarkable recovery from his injuries and we are so thankful for all your prayers, cards, calls, visits, love offerings, flowers, food, etc.

Continue to pray for Everette's continued improvement and him regaining his strength.

Our love and gratitude to you all.

Becky, Everette, and kids

Prayers and Praises - February 21, 2010

2010-02-21T15:52:00.000-08:00

Prayers of the People:
Eric Ray - newborn great nephew of Stan and Jean DeMerritt - pray that he will continue to grow strong.

Barton Family - pray during their loss of wife and mother, Stephanie

Peter Bowen - continue to pray for him as he still has two weeks in the country.

Wayland Kenya Students - pray that they will be nourished physically and spiritually during their classes this term. Their meals have been cut with minimal protein.

Grady Munz

Sarah Dillman - Sally Eave's neice - pray for wise choices and salvation

Tammy Frazier and Family - loss of James and the adjustment and time of greiving

Nolan Bonkte

Revival in America

Dr. Paul and Duana Armes' daughter and son-in-law - daughter is being deployed to Afganistan in May for four months leaving the husband behind in Italy - she is a civil worker and historian for the United State Air Force - pray for her safety.

Prayers, Praise, and Homework

2010-02-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

This edition of the Flannel Board includes:
Prayers
Praises
Homework

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Prayers of the People:

Peter Bowen - traveling to Kenya to teach. Pray for Lynette and the boys as he will be gone for three weeks.

Jimmy Webster - Martha Shaw's brother-in-law; in the hospital with severe staph infection following knee and hip replacement surgery.

Sarah Dillman - Sally Eave's neice; wisdom to make correct choices

Brent Barton and children - loss of his spouse, Stephanie

Tammy Frasior and children - loss of James Frasior

Dr. Paul Armes and Duana - as they travel in Italy and back to the States.

John Coon - continue to pray for healing, strength, and comfort

Pray for those with mental illness.

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Praises of the People

Joe Schiel - Jean's dad had a knee cap replacement from the last knee replacement - he is doing great!

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HOMEWORK - thanks, David!

If you missed Sunday school today, you missed some good discussion. In the effort to learn more about making friends for Christ, we are going to embark on a project. We will plan out and make an audio CD with testimonies, Bible passages, comments about FBC, etc. This will be something that we can distribute to people we befriend in the name of Christ.For next Sunday please think about and write up comments on one (or more) of the following topics:
• Testimony of God's work in your life
• Explanation of how to come to Jesus
• What FBC has meant to you
• What Christians believe about the Bible
• Favorite prayers or passages of scripture
We envision adding more info than this (e.g., listing some of the FBC programs with schedules and locations), but need your contributions for scripts. Even if your comments are not selected for the CD, it will be valuable for you to think about the topics listed above.

See you next Sunday with your "homework" in hand!

david

Paulette Mannings Brother-in-law Status

2010-02-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

This is from Everette’s wife and Paulette’s sister, Becky. God is good.

2/4/2010

Everette has improved enough to be moved to Kendrick Hospital in San Antonio to start Physical, Occupational and speech therapy. He is doing much better. He is eating and talking (although processing is some times slow) walked with a walker yesterday, upper and lower body strength seems to be strong. I don't know how long we will be at Kendrick at this point.

Visiting hours are 8am to 8pm. Bailey is going to go see her Poppy today, she is so excited.

Keep praying for healing for the head trauma which is getting better but need complete healing. Also his blood pressure has been elevated and they put him on medicine for that. He is getting bored because after therapy there is nothing to do so I'm talking the dice, dominos and lap top for him to play games with. Hopefully this will help.

As for me, I'm running on empty most of the time but God keeps giving me enough energy to keep going. I long for the day Ev can come home.

Thank everyone for the prayers and keep them coming. The bible verses I get are a great help.

God is Great!
Bec

Prayers of the People - January 31, 2010

2010-01-31T19:31:00.000-08:00

Prayers of the People:

John Coon - dealing with restrictive lung disease; pray for him and his family as they seek further medical treatments and solutions

Gene Riddlehoover - former mayor of Plainview, suffered a stroke and is in Covenant Hospital Plainview.

Edwin Ward - keep praying; prayers are working! - Larry and Dianne Ward

Upward Basketball - continue to pray for the events as they are a ministry to the community and the players.

Student Ministry - pray as the committee begins planning for the Disciple Now in March.

Everett - Paulette Mannings brother-in-law; continues to make progress on healing; keep praying for his full recovery.

Peter Bowen - will be traveling alone to Kenya on Feb. 12, 2010 to teach a course for three weeks; pray for his safety and time abroad.

Rick Shaw and the Kenya team - pray that they make it back safely and have a speedy adjustment from their jet lag; pray for continued guidance for the team as they debrief from their expeirences in ministry in Kenya.

Beverly Sanders - continues to make a recovery from her surgery

Joe Schiel (Jean DeMerritt's father) - has doctor appointments for upcoming knee surgery; pray he will have a clean bill of health to proceed with the surgery.

David Howle - as he prepares to present the winter bible study to the congregation in Hart; pray that the Spirit has prepared their hearts and that they will be attentive to the message.

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Remember - if you have any updates, please send them to me at demerritts@sbcglobal.net. See you next week!

Prayers and Praises 1/24/2010

2010-01-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

This addition of the Flannel Board includes:
Prayers of the People
Praises of the People
Studies in Matthew

Prayers of the People
Caleb Rodriquez - Thank you all for your prayers! Caleb is doing good, lots of pain (thank God for meds)!

Those of you who know Caleb, this will be funny to you:

The procedure was done in the office, as the nurse asked him to lay down to inject some medicine, he quickly tells me:
"Mom, tell Justin I love him...in case I don't make it!"

He survived and did not think it was FUNNY when I told him the tubes were a pretty PINK color and when the doctor played along!

Continue to pray for healing! ester

John Coon - prayer for health

The People of Haiti - continue to pray for the country and those who are there to provide humanitarian aid.

Beverly Sanders - gall bladder surgery last Wednesday; it was more involved as there was a tear in teh stomach which was repaired. Continue to pray for healing.

Gary Elliot Family - Gary passed away this week at 59 years old.

Rick Shaw and the Mission Team - as they prepare to travel; currenlty unrest in Nairobi.

Peter Bowen - as he prepares to head to Kenya to teach for Wayland; pray for safety in his travel to Brackenhurst and KBTC campus.

Kip McDonald - called to serve in Haiti with the military

Everette Boyce - I just received notice that my Brother-in Law, Everette Boyce, Methodist minister in Bandera, TX, was involved in a motor cycle accident yesterday. He is in critical condition and in intensive care at University Hospital in San Antonio. He has a brain hemorrhage, bleeding kidney, multiple face and head fractures and lacerations, and 6 broken ribs. Please pray for him, his wife (who is Paulette’s sister), their children, and other relatives.
Thank you for your concern and prayers.
Gary Manning

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Praises of the People:
Ms. Ward - nominated for a Values in Action Award for Excellence through the Covenant Health Systems (60 of us out of 5000 employees)

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Studes of the Parables in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43, and 47-50

Ester Rodriquez - Prayer Request

2010-01-20T06:26:00.000-08:00

Class:
Ester requests the following prayers. I have not heard how the proceedure went yesterday.

Caleb is having tubes, again, in both ears tomorrow (Tueday, January 19) at 11am. The eardrum on the right side does not have any movement and his hearing is not good. Dr. Winter hopes a larger and different type of tube can help.

Continue to keep Caleb, Justin (& his family) and myself in your prayers.

Thank you all!
Ester Rodriquez

Kenya Missions - Update 3

2010-01-18T11:29:00.001-08:00

Dear colleagues:

Our Kenya Mission Team has almost come to the half-way point of this January 2010 mission. Dr. Don Raney and Reverend Matt Baird (Raney of Petersburg and Baird of Hart) have departed, and have arrived safely in Texas. Daniel Brown and Kelsey Beggs have received their bags, which traversed a quite circuitous route from Lubbock to Nairobi, through Great Britian, France, Madagascar, and other countries. Daniel Brown is like a new man, in almost girlish glee that he has retrieved his clothes.

The mission work continues at the Christlike Academy of the Imani [Faith] Baptist Church in Karanjee, about three kilometers from where our Wayland Kenya Program conducts classes. Josh Williams and Cameron Harper, though young, are clearly experienced carpenters, and have built 37 tables and 54 benches. Ashley Beggs, though a first-timer, fits into the team well, and clearly has experience in furniture building (I believe this experience was gained at Plains Baptist Assembly in Floydada.)

I call upon Kelsey Beggs to assist me in MANY ways, oftening managing the others when I am engaged in Wayland and Baptist Convention of Kenya business. Kelsey continues to demonstrate solid leadership and a cross-cultural sensitivity rarely seen. I am thankful for her, and admire her tenacity and flexibility.

Today, I was invited to visit one of the clients of the Imani Shade Ministry. This woman, who is HIV+, is a delightful "soso" (elderly woman) who has given birth to nine children. Five of these nine are deceased--all due to AIDS. Lucy is raising her two youngest children, and four grandchildren, in a room the size of my office at Wayland in Plainview. I asked Kelsey to accompany me on the visit (it is always essential when a white man visits a Kenyan woman to have another woman with him.) I also requested that Shadrach participate with me in the home visit; Shadrach is the Associate Pastor of the Imani Baptist Church.

When we finally reached this "soso"'s home, we were welcomed with warm embraces, delighted greetings, and great to-do. We entered the dark and dank place, to be seated in a room with wall-to-wall furniture. The old woman had made porridge for us, akin to blueberry MaltoMeal. As the soso poured porridge into metal cups from a bright orange thermos, I chuckled to myself, knowing that Kelsey has great difficulty with this uniquely Kenyan food. Kelsey tells me, "I have difficulty drinking something of that consistency."

In time, the dying Kenyan woman told us of her request, that before she dies, she wishes to record songs that the LORD has given to her--songs in Kiswahili, songs in Kikuyu, and songs in English. She is convinced that these 80 songs are divinely inspired, and she has written them all down. "Daktari Shaw, might you help me?" Unsure of how to respond, I queried the Kenyan woman and Associate Pastor Shadrach just how this might be accomplished. Rather ignorant of the process, the Kenyans looked at me and said, "After we record these songs, might you sell the CDs to old women in the USA, who would be encouraged that the LORD can use a dying Kenyan woman, and that God has a kingdom purpose for them, as well?"

As in so many mission situations, this conversation will lead to many others, and I told the soso and Shadrach that we will converse and inquire of others, and we will return, before our departure to the US at the end of January.

All through the visit, I noticed a young man seated beside the Kenyan woman. After the course of the conversation about a cappela songs by a dying Kenyan woman, I was ready to move on to this reserved fellow.

"Jina lako ni nani?" I asked the young man.

"Jina lango James," he responded.

The young chocolate-colored Kenyan responded by telling me that he was the youngest son of the old woman. 21 years old, James did not attend high school, and seven years ago, completed the eighth grade--primary school in Kenya.

I pursued the conversation by asking James, "What do you do?"

After more than thirty seconds of silence, the young Kenyan, out of shame and confusion, quietly uttered, "Hakuna," [nothing].

Utterly confused, I foolishly probed. "Hakuna?"

James reticently told me of three months of work in Mombasa as a conductor boy for a lorry driver. "But then the driver put me on the outside."

As our visit came to a close, I told the Kenyan woman that we would return in about one week's time. I invited James to come with us. On our walk to a nearby restaurant, James and I continued the conversation. In the end, I made a decision to hire this young man for one day, at a rate of 300 Kenya shillings, to determine if he can work, or not. All the while, I debated in my mind something that my Dean, Dr. Paul Sadler, has taught me--the law of unintended consequences.

So, tomorrow we shall see. I continue to struggle through the processing of the fact that 80% of Kenyan men between the ages of 18 and 25 are unemployed, idle, filled with despair and energy, though without an outlet to expend either. Dr. Don Ashley, my very good friend teaching here from Wayland's Anchorage campus, comments, "Sounds like a political powder keg."

As we work with all that we have and know to be the presence of Christ and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus among these precious people, what do we offer someone like James? When I offered this young Kenyan man a job for one day, the sparkle of hope in his eyes was a clue to part of the answer.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Rick

January 17, 2009 - Prayers, Commnets, Etc.

2010-01-17T16:37:00.001-08:00

In this edition of the Flannel Board:
Prayers of the People
Haiti Earthquake - Texas Baptists

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Prayers of the people:

Shelly Walker - step-grandmother has cancer, other grandmother is elderly and not doing well.

Haiti Earthquake - pray for the peole who live in Haiti as well as the missionaries and samaritains who are assisting the needey during this time of crisis. In particular pray for Steve and Nancy James and their medical mission in Haiti. They have been in ministry since 1983 and live 100 miles north of Pourt Au Prince.

Kallie Dixon - daughter of Don and Marcia, lost her job at Trust Point hospital due to budget cuts and they put the trainee in her place. Kallie has been demoted and placed under the trainee at part-time with less pay. She is worried about her finances going forward.

Edwin Ward - pray for The Wards that they may gain strength to continue to cope with their son.

Matt Chandler - pastor of the Villiage Church in Lewisville - has a malignant brain tumor and is in his mid-30s. Has three small children.

Sarah - a young woman living in rebellion - pray that God will bring her back in harmony with her parents and God's will.

Beverly Sanders - scheduled for gall-bladder surgery this week.

Kenya missions

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Haiti Earthquake
Want to assist with the Haiti Earthquake crisis? Give to the Texas Baptists at www.texasbaptists.org/haitiearthquake

Week of 1/10/2010 - Prayers, Homework, and Kenya Updates

2010-01-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

IN THIS ISSUE OF THE FLANNEL BOARD:
Prayers of the People
Sunday School Recap and Next Weeks Text
Kenya Updates 1/10 and 1/13

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Prayer requests for the week:
Tom Ray and Family - his mother passed away on 1/10. Funeral was scheduled for this week.

Kenya Mission Team - made it; however, delayed by 12-14 hours! Pray for the following participants:
Dr. Don Raney - FBC Petersburg
Rev. Matt Baird - FBC Hart (?)
Josh Williams
Cameron Harper
Kelsy and Ashley Beggs
Daniel Brown
Dr. Don Ashley - Wayland Faculty teaching this term
Dr. Richard Shaw - leading the team and doing administrative work for WBU

Matt Chandler - pstor of the Villiage Church in Lewisvill - has a malignant brain tumor and is in his mid-30s. Has three small children.

Sarah - a young woman living in rebellion - pray that God will bring her back in harmony with her parents and God's will.

Edwin Ward - continue to pray for his mental health.

Judy Whitworth - looking for a job in East Texas

Greg and Sara Howle - Pray for travel to California this week to visit his brother Adam. Also pray for their long journey back to Austrilia with a 5-month old child.

Blake Gloyna - young man in Hale Center that was in a gun accident - pray for healing and a quick recovery - will be a long road.

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From this weeks lesson - Consider what it means to be an ambasodor to Christ - II Cor. 5:16-21; I John 3:16-20

Text and Title of lesson for 1/17/2010:
Matthew 13:10-17 and 21:33-43
We are going to hear the Winter Bible Study this month!

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Kenya Update:
1/10/2010
Greetings to all:

Our mission team will be fully engaged in renovation work of the "Christlike Academy" in Karanjee, Kenya. Dr. Don Raney, one of our mission team members and pastor of the FBC of Petersburg, TX, made the comment last night that were this school in the USA, it would be condemned. Our team members are very excited about the work.

All of the bags, save one, arrived last night.

We are attempting to locate, with the assistance of British Air and Virgin Atlantic Air, Daniel Brown's one bag.

Kelsey and Ashley Beggs were originally scheduled to arrive late this evening into Nairobi. Their flight to London was canceled, so they have been rerouted through Paris. They are to arrive tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6 AM.

The worship at the Imani Baptist Church was a rousing African worship experience yesterday. Dr. Don Raney preached the sermon around the motif of "Grasshoppers and Eagles" (Isaiah 40.31).

Please pray for the mission work today. Pray for the children who will use this school, all of whose mothers are HIV+. Pray that Daniel Brown's bag will be located and retrieved. Pray that Kelsey and Ashley will arrive safely tomorrow.

Thank you for your tremendous, continual support.

Yours,

Rick Shaw

Kenya Update:
1/13/2010
Dear family, colleagues and students:

The Wayland Mission Team has finally hit their stride in the mission work here in Kenya. Josh Williams (freshman) and Cameron Harper are skilled carpenters, and working alongside Ashley Beggs and Kelsey Beggs, are turning out tables, benches, and chairs for the AIDS orphans' school, the Christlike Academy. Pastor Linus Kirimi is thrilled with the progress.

Dr. Don Raney, Rev. Matt Baird, and Daniel Brown (Admissions and husband of Dr. Kim Brown), have almost completed the painting of the entire structure. They paint alongside Kenyans Patrick (whom I had the privilege of leading to Christ 18 months ago, and baptizing one year ago), Humphrey, Maureen, and Mary.

I believe that the new missionaries to Kenya are discovering the value of establishing relationships. The three men yesterday ventured out in the neighborhood, and were invited to Kenyan tea. Later yesterday, they visited Associate Pastor Shadrach and his wife Mary, and their new baby, Ezra. In our processing/debriefing session last night, Rev. Baird told me, "Dr. Shaw, I believe that the relational aspect of mission may be just as important as the 'work' part of the mission." Hmmmmm. . . . .

The two Kenyan children nearest my heart are reportedly doing alright. Njogu and Margaret, both of whom are HIV+, are continuing to take their ARV medications, and are in school. Both of these little ones are aware of their status, and tragically cognizant of the gravity of it. Though both have exhibited signs of advancing HIV, they are, at best, poignantly childlike, playing and running, and giggling and smiling. They live with seeming freedom, and I am thankful that the heinous, pernicious virus living and growing in them, remains thwarted at this time.

Please pray for . . .

1. the recovery of Daniel Brown's bag, which he has not seen since last Thursday at the Lubbock Airport.
2. the continuing safety and security of our team.
3. that the witness of our team brings glory to the Risen LORD.

Your faithful servant,

Rick

Prayers and Praises of 1/3/2009

2010-01-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

Class,
It was great to be in Sunday School this morning! Hope to see everyone back in the routine by next week! Here are the prayers and praises that we shared:

Blake Gloyna - 17 year old Hale Center youth (grandson of Dr. Dick DeLung) had a hunting accident on Friday. He has experienced a gun shot to his lower leg. Vascular surgeons hope they were able to repair the damage. Blake is scheduled to have two titanium rods in the bones on Monday.

Edwin Ward - son of Larry and Dianne - pray for his mental health.

Matt Chandler - pastor is Lewisvill - Higland Village; discovered malignant brain tumor and will begin chemotherapy this week.

James and Tammy Frasier - as his treatments continue

Mike Melcher - as he heals from his car accident.

Greg, Sara, and Zaylyn Howle - as they travel back to California and then back to Australia later this week.

Praises:
Annette's Dad - came to visit her over the Christmas season. Pray for his safety as he drives back home.

Holly McDonald (don't know the married name) - expecting child in early Arpil.

Coralyn Dillard - at the birth of her granddaughter.

Tom Ray's Mom - adapting well to her new surroundings!

Remember that the regular programming schedule for all church activities begins this Wednesday. Also, watch for your Crusader and the different studies on Sunday evenings in the chapel!

Prayer List and Announcements - 12/6/2009

2009-12-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

Class:
Sorry I have been a slacker in posting to the blog the prayer requests and announcements. It has been rather hectic! Please let me know of any updates on those we have listed or additions!

Prayer Needs:
Mike Melcher - pray for healing; he needs to have surgery on his leg and the cardiologist is not releasing him; will keep you updated on his progress.

James Frazier - now at MD Anderson in Houston; pray for healing and remission of the cancer; pray for the family to get some rest and rely on God for sustaining strength.

Carol Kaufman - currently in treatment for breast cancer; pray for healing and remission.

Linda Evans - continue to pray for her as she grieves David's passing; ask for her to be comforted.

Leigh Ann DeMerritt - had a CT scan last week to determine cause of headaches; test came out to show a lot of sinus pressure; maintaining a headache log to determine if a full cranial scan should be conducted.

Schools - teachers, students, and parents involved in all levels of education the term winds down; pray for calm spirits and abilities to focus on the tasks at hand.

Sally Eaves - suffering from major ear infections; ask for healing so she can continue with her responsibilities with the Christmas production this week.

Edwin Ward - Larry and Dianne's son needs special unspoken prayers.

Announcements:
Memory Versus - for those who were in attendance this weeks, we all chose a memory verse strip from the book of Philippians. Remember to read that verse and dedicate it to your hearts. See how God works through the verse this week.

Small Groups - As we get to know each other in our small groups, look for how we can turn acquaintances into friendships. Also, take this outside of our small groups into our daily lives for this is how we reach the community for Christ!

Melissa Lawson's Graduation - Congratulations, Melissa, on completing her Master of Arts in Counseling degree at WBU. She will be participating in the ceremony later this week.

The Wonder of Christmas - Productions on Saturday and Sunday at 7PM! CDs are still available!

Larry's Final Update 10-25,2009

2009-10-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

Please Pray for David Evans. He is in heart failure at Covenant Hospital - Lubbock, tx. His ejection refraction rate is down to 15. Linda needs our prayers, and our help. We need to help feed her cat, do her laundry, and what ever she needs.

This will be my final entry on the Flannel Board. Stan DeMerritt will take over. His email is demerritts@sbcglobal.net

Thank you for letting me being a part of this for so long, now is the time for a change.

I Love all of you,

Larry.

Update 10-11-2009

2009-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Continue to Pray for Mary Jo and the Coates family.

Kallie Dixon takes GRE at Texas Tech this week for Grad School.

Pray for increased fellowship in our class.

Pray for health of school students.

Praise Weather

Pray for Nolan Bontke - moved from Trust Point.

Don, Doris McDonald's brother, needs a job in the Dallas area.
Crystal McDonald needs a job.

Pray for Grady Murry

Update October 4, 2009

2009-10-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

Pray for the Coates family this week.

Jean and Stan - Praise for Jean's Dad - Joe Schiel doing better, but needs contined Prayers.

Don, Doris McDonald's brother, needs a job in the Dallas area. Crystal McDonald needs a job in Lubbock.

Pray for Charles - health issues

Granddaughter. Zaylyn Howle, Pray that she continues to be healthy.

Pray for Mary Jo and family in the weeks ahead.

Pray for Grady Murry.

Pray for Edwin Ward as he rebuilds his life, currently living at Larry and Dianne Ward's house.

Update September 24, 2009

2009-09-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody! I hope you are having a most blessed Tuesday!! We are in need of more help in extended session on Sunday mornings. If you are already on the schedule, God Bless You!! If you are not on the schedule, and would like to help, or you know of someone that might like to help, please let me know ASAP!!! You would work one Sunday every 6 weeks. Not too bad!! Karomy

in His hands...

Phyllis Wall

Update 09-22-09

2009-09-22T17:02:00.001-07:00

Larry, Jean DeMerritt's dad is out of ICU and moved into a regular room at the hospital. That's a praise!

david

Update September 20, 2009

2009-09-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Please Pray for Carol Koufman who started Chemo for breast cancer this weekend.

Please Pray for Crystal McDonald to find a good job with a Christian boss and coworkers.

Please Pray for Doris McDonald's brother, Don, who needs a job.

Please Pray for Edwin Ward who is going through a divorce after 13 years of marriage.
He is also moving back to Plainview to be close to family.

Update September 6, 2009

2009-09-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Pray for Jack Doughertz, Linda Ray's step father, who has prostate and bone cancer.

Pray for traveling mercies for Erlene and Bob Sheldon, Linda Ray's sister and brother-in-law. They are going on vacation for two weeks.

Pray for Rebeca Cook (David Milstead's daughter). She is looking for a job.

Praise - David Evans is temporarly through with chemo. He had a good report on a cancer biopsy. Pray for patience and the Lord's will in decisions needed to be made.

Keep my nephew Luke in your Prayers. He has juvenile arthritis in his knee and is four years old. John Coon

Happy Birthday today to Edwin Ward.

Update August 30, 2009

2009-08-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

Please Pray for our students (public and university) as they begin the new school year.

Continue to Pray for James Frazier.

Lynette's older brother had a stroke and continues to have high blood pressure. Pray for Tim Walker's physical and spiritual health.

Jane Hobgood has been diagnosed with cancer and will need radiation and chemotherapy.

Karla asked for Prayer for a young couple with a child suffering from a liver disorder. The boy's name is Nathan.

Women's group traveling to Glorieta over Labor Day weekend to do sewing projects and enjoy fellowship.

Pray that Crystal McDonald will get a job with Christian workers and a Christian boss.

Pray for Grady Murry.

Keep David and Linda Evans in our Prayers.

Pray for Edwin Ward's mental health and life changes he is going through.

Update August 23, 2009

2009-08-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

David Milstead - Thanks for all the Prayers and cards on the loss of my brother.

David Milstead - I will be taking my last of five IV infusion treatments tomorrow. Pray that this one will last longer.

Please continue Praying for David Evans and his wife Linda.

Pray for our military and their families.

Pray for the poor and homeless.

Update August 16,2009

2009-08-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Pray for students and teachers as they prepare for a new school year.

Praise - Travels to see Ross DeSoto were successful and Christian Roberts
chemo starts this week.

Pray for Vicky Young - Principal at Edgemere.

Nolan Bontke has had some success and is progressing well. Doctors are encouraged that he will recover well.

Pray for Grady Murray - diagnosed with cancer.

Darrel Turner - Pray for him and his family.

James Fraizer - continue to Pray for him. He has his last chemo treatment.

Pray for Edmonson as they are searching for a music minister.

Pray for Willie McGee's family.

Pray for David Evans.

Pray for Edwin Ward.

Update August 9, 2009

2009-08-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Praise - The Coon family is getting back to normal.

Please Pray for Grady Murry.

Crystal McDonald needs a job. Don, Doris McDonald's brother, needs a job. His daughter broke her arm this last week, again. Please Pray for their financial situation.

Please Pray for Nolan Bontke and his wife Janet. Nolan is making progress, however slow. Pray for their financial needs, insurance business which will effect the time they stay at Trust Point, and Nolan's continued progress.

Please Pray for Edwin Ward who is going through a very rough time now.

Update August 2, 2009

2009-08-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Continue to Pray for David Evans.

Keep Zaylyn Howle in your Prayers. She will remain in the hospital for two more weeks. Sara and Greg appreciate your concern for their new baby girl.

Crystal McDonald still needs a job. Doris McDonald's brother Don, needs a job in the Dallas area.

Continue to Pray for James Frazier, Nolan Bontke, and Beverly Kimbrough.

Please Pray for Edwin Ward (Dianne and Larry's youngest son) whose wife is divorcing him after 13 years of marrage. He plans to move back to Plainview after the divorce to live with us until he can make new plans for the future.

Please Pray for each other as we all have unspoken needs in our lives, and always Praise God.

Update July 19, 2009

2009-07-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well, we didn't have to wait long! About two hours ago, Sara gave birth to Zaylyn Hyla Howle, a 4.8 pound girl. The baby is currently in ICU but is off of oxygen. The doctors suggest that she may need to stay in the hospital for a month. Since the previously scheduled plan for today was fixing up the baby's room, that is probably all for the best!

Sara is doing fine, although Zaylyn came so fast that Sara didn't get to have an epidural. She noted that childbirth under those conditions was not fun. Greg sounded sleepy (it's 3:00 AM in Sydney) but glad for the safe delivery.

Thank you for your prayers!

david

Pray that Crystal McDonald finds a job with a Christian boss and coworkers

Pray for Timothy's safety. He is involved in some dangerous operatives this coming week. Sally Eaves

Please Pray for David Evans, that God may comfort him during this though time in his life.

There are many unspoken Prayers that we need to also Pray for God's will to be done in their lives.

Update July 17,2009

2009-07-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Praise God, the prayers are working. The bleeding was stopped after the doctor went back in and cauterized the duodenal ulcer (Don't know why they didn't do it the first time?). Chris came home from the hospital yesterday with a hemaglobin of 10.9. This was after recieving a total of 6 units of blood during the ordeal. He woke up this morning feeling so much better that he thought he could go to work...LOL! After getting dressed and going in to his office on base, which no one could convince him NOT to do, he lasted for about 3 hours of desk work, then pooped out. He said he couldn't believe how tired he was. The rest of the afternoon was spent taking a nap. Are all MEN HIS STUBBORN??? He has to go in for another blood draw in the morning. If everythig contiues to return to normal, the doctor said he could travel. We all plan to drive to Texas beginining Saturday morning, a vacation which has been planned since before Chris returned from the United Arab Emirates. We will all take turns driving, so hopefully, it will be a relatively easy trip. I should be back home by Sunday night. Thanks again for ALL of your prayers. GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

Coralyn

Update July 15, 2009

2009-07-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Grand Forks last night about 11:30 p.m. after a LONG day of flying cross country. Great news! Chris went back for another gastropscope yesterday morning and the surgeon cauterized the ulcer this time. It is a duodenal ulcer (in the small intestine, right below the stomach). He had a total of 6 units of blood altogether. The last two H & H have been the same 9.4/28.2, so we're pretty sure that he's not loosing any more blood. If he stablizes for 24 hours, they will let him go home tomorrow.

I didn't know this before today, but Chris is on the oncology floor. He has an oncologist assigned to him and the doctor is pretty sure that the ulcer is benign. I'm guessing that they have biopsied it to be certain.I think the last time I talked you, we thought he was out of the woods, then his Hemagolbin bottomed out again. Keep your fingers crossed that this time he's good to go!

Coralyn

Update July 12,2009

2009-07-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Dianne/Larry, Yesterday evening about 6:00 p.m. we received a phone call from my daughter-in-law, Carol. She was on her way to the emergency room. Our son, Chris, who is in the Air Force (the one that just got back home from oversees) has been throwing up blood since about 5:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon. When Carol got home from work, she wanted to take him to the emergency room, but Chris wanted to take a bath first. He passed out in the shower and begin having seizure like activity. He would not respond to her so she called 911. She had to find childcare for her kids first and then she called me on her way to the emergency room.

His B/P was 70/50 when he arrived in the emergency room. I'm sure they bolused him with I.V. fluid. He remembered being in the shower and the next thing he knew he was in the ambulance. His hemaglobin came back at 10.3 the first draw. An NG tube was also inserted, but that didn't last very long. They must have put in the biggest one they had because he couldn't tolerate it very well. This morning, his hemaglobin had dropped to 9.4, so they gave him a unit of blood then took him for a gastroscope. He does have a bleeding ulcer and severe gastritis. Following a liquid diet this afternoon he began having dark tarry diarrhea. This evening, the hemaglobin was down to 8.7, so another unit has been infused. He's not out of the woods yet, but at lease he's talking to us. He says he feels pretty drained. He bruised his shoulder when he collapsed in the shower. They think he hit the faucet on his way down.

I did learn that Chris has been taking Aleve or Motrin almost every day for joint pain. He is very active and involved in numerous intramural sports. Plus we have a lot of Arthritis in our family. I'm pretty sure it was the naproxen/ibuprofen that did it, not to mention all the stress he's been under. Anyway, thank you for your prayers. I have a group of close friends that have been praying for him since last night. I didn't think about the flannel board until now. It is not necessary to put ALL of this on the flannel board. I just wanted you to know so that you could ask the SS class to pray for Chris and Carol. Carol is running a fever this afternoon and is exhausted.

Coralyn Dillard

Nancy Potter 6951 Rivera Dr Avon In 46123
This is Annette Coon's mom's address. She is in a nursing home now and holding her own. Please keep Praying that God's will be done.

Continue to Pray for David Evans and his wife Linda.

Pray for the Claude Lusk family. His Mother passed away, Barbara Lusk.

Pray for three kids who came to Christ at camp.

Update July 5, 2009

2009-07-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

Please Pray for Annette Coon's mother. They have her on comfort drugs. Annette needs prayer to get through with her brother.

If anyone has any Prayer Request, Praises, or any information you would like to share with us,please email me or add a comment on the flannel board. If you want to remain anoneamce that is fine .

My email is retiredandnursing@suddenlink.net

Thank You.

Larry Ward

Update June 21, 2009

2009-06-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Nancy Potter will be having a biopsy this week sometime to determine the status of the three tumors. Due to her condition she is not eligible for chemo or radiation, so we hope one of the masses has the option of surgery. So please Pray for comfort and peace of mind.

Pray for Tom Ray as he has been making transition to nursing home for his mother. Pray for her and the family.

Praise that our class party was very enjoyable and Thank You to the Eaves for hosting.

Pray for Judy and Worth Whitworth as they make the move to east texas.

Keep Praying for Karla, Kip, and Holly as the continue to tour Italy by backpack.
Continue to Pray for Mary, Karla's mother.

Please Pray for Edwin, Larry and Dianne's youngest son, as he has many problems in his life.

Pray for friends of the Howle's, the Landuskys and family with health issues.

Pray for Tim Eaves and his sinus troubles he is having now.

Continue to Pray for David Evans and his wife Linda.

Update June 14, 2009

2009-06-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Pray for Karla, Kip, and Holly as they backpack in Italy. Pray for Karla's mother Mary.

Pray for David Milstead's daughter Delisa as she continues to grieve.

Praise - Dianne and Larry's youngest son Eddy has a Christian witness in his life.

Praise - Austraila mission trip went well and all are back safely.

Praise - Cary Catherine and Ryan are now happily married.

Pray for Crystal McDonald to find a job with a Christian boss and coworkers.

Pray for Jennifer Staj who has just had twin girls. They now have three girls.

Sunday School eat out at Sally and Cary Eaves house (3304 W. 18th St) friday night June 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Update June 7, 2009

2009-06-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

Pray for Annette Coon's mother (Nancy Potter) in ICU in Indiana. Thomas made it to Indiana in time to be able to help.

Continue to Pray for the Austriala Mission.

Oue Sunday School Class will be providing snacks (breads. donuts, snacks, etc.) for the hospitality room on tuesday June 16th.

Pray for Janet Bonthe and family

Continue to Pray for David Evans.

Remember Karla McDonald and family especially her mother Mary during transition.

Contine to Pray for the Youth Group

Praise for the Rain.

Update May 24, 2009

2009-05-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Please continue to Pray for Jamie Coon (John's brother) as he awaits hearing about a job here in Plainview, Tx.

Pray for Sally and Cary Eaves as they travel for their daughter's wedding on May 29th and the wedding events.

Pray for Rick Shaw to continue to recover and for him to relax.

Pray for Linda and David Evans as they have some difficult decisions to make.
Pray for David as his cancer has returned.

Pray for James Fraizer as he begins his treatments for cancer.

Pray for the Mcdonalds - Karla had to put her mother (Mary) in a nursing home.
Pray for Holly who has had surgery.

Pray for Olga's Dad's recovery.
Pray for Debbie - miscarriage and healing

Pray for Ester and her family.

Pray for Brent Mink - wife passed away last Monday (Walmart Driver)

Pray for David and Cathy's daughter-in-law Sarah

Pray for traveling mercies for Tom and Linda Ray as they will be in different part of the country May 30-June 12

Pray for David Julian - cancer treatment - Covenant Lubbock, Tx

Pray for Ray Daffern - health issues.

Praise - Cory Kirk (Bill & Judy's son-in-law) is back from Afghanistan!

Praise - Bill & Judy's daughter (Kelsey) got engaged to a nice young man!

Urgent Update

2009-05-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Rick Shaw has had a heart attack today and has been taken to Covenant - Lubbock.
Please Pray for Rick and his family.

Update May 17, 2009

2009-05-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

Pray for Jeremy & Kathy Harris for guidance and encouragement.

Pray for Jamie Coon and his family in consideration for moving and a clear direction.

Pray for David Milstead's brother's recovery from Lyme disease - Branson, Mo.

Pray for David Julian - hospital

Pray for David Evans health. Heart Disease - Covenant - Lubbock, Tx

Pray for Paula Williams - Hospital

Pray for Ruth Williams - Hospital - serious.

Praise Larry Ward's Dad's birthday - 84 years

Pray for Karla McDonald's mother - serious health problems.
Kip McDonald is being discharged from the Navy

Cathy Howle's aunt Betty did have her cornea transplant. Thank You for all your Prayers.

Continue to have Ester Rodriquez and family in your Prayers.

Pray for students and teachers as they finish this school year.

Ruth Williams is back at Westridge Manner as of Saturday - note from Phylis Wall

Update May 10, 2009

2009-05-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day.

Everyone must be doing great, only one Prayer request.

Pray for our high school graduates as they enter the next phase of their careers.

Update May 3, 2009

2009-05-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

Pray for Jamie Coon to have safe travels and clear guidance of God's will.

Pray for Bobby Griffen (neighbor of John and Annette Coon) who is battling cancer for the fourth time.

Pray for our High School students as they deal with gang activity and other issues.

David Julian - cancer - Pray for healing and strength as he undergoes Chemo.

Pray for Roy Daffern ( Pat Smith's Dad ) health concerns.

Crystal McDonald still needs a job. She had gallbladder surgery on April 27th. She is doing well.

Relay on Friday May 1, 2009

2009-04-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Thanks for coming through once again on Sunday night with the beans and cornbread! It went well, even though our turnout was light. We ended up collecting $465.

The relay will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night. It will be held at the practice field just east of Bulldog Stadium. It probably has a name, but I don't know what it is. Just drive down W. 24th street and you'll see it. We registered for a campsite somewhere on the northeast side of the field. The actual site won't be assigned until Friday, so look for us when you get there.

We have a tent, but the relay is not providing tables this year. You'll need to bring lawn chairs and if you have a card table or something similar, bring it along. There will be some food available for purchase from some of the other teams at the relay, as well as fundraisers and games. Don't forget a jacket and/or blanket and bug spray. Games/cards/dominoes are always cool.

Our team doesn't have a banner. If you're the banner type and want to volunteer - we could use a sign with our team name on it to post at our campsite.

Basically, just bring anything you'd want at a campout. Except matches. We will have electricity available, but bring your own extension cord if you're bringing something that needs to be plugged in.

See you Friday night!

Rach

Update April 26, 2009 - Prayer Request

2009-04-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

Jamie Coon - Prison interview and moving here from Ohio.

D. Robert Harvey Family. D. Robert died in a car wreck while on duty saturday night. He has two young children. He is the nephew to Jean's sister - Holly

Faith while expreriencing depression.

Pray for Wayland students and faculty as they finish classes and start finals this week.

Tim Eaves starts his new job in Dallas with Homeland Security in the I.C.E. Division assigned to the "Gang" unit. Please Pray for his safety.

Praise! Ben and Delina Egnew sold their house in New York and will be moving to Vermont soon. Thanks for your prayers.

Update April 10, 2009

2009-04-10T16:38:00.001-07:00

The Beans and Cornbread Fundraiser for the Relay for Life Team will be at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 26th. If you can help with a crock pot of beans or some cornbread, please contact Rachel at spookyrach@gmail.com or 296-1852. There will also be a sign-up list for food and servers/clean-up crew next Sunday.

Thanks!

Update April 10, 2009

2009-04-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Update April 5,2009

2009-04-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

Pray for students and teachers as we approach the TAKS test.

A Wayland student named Adam Maddox lost his grandfather to a rattlesnake bite (Friday April 3, 2009)

Crystal McDonald still needs a job with a Christian boss and coworkers.

Ersa Egnew is still having trouble with fainting. Please Pray for her.

Troy Manning is searching for a job. Please Pray for Troy and Crystal in their job search.

Please Pray for our teacher as he leads us in our journey with Christ.

Update April 3, 2009

2009-04-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Our class is putting together a team for the Relay for Life, which will be held on May 1st.

If you are interested in participating, please email Rachel Petty at spookyrach@gmail.com. We'll add you to the team roster and get your t-shirt ordered. You don't have to do commit to doing a lot of walking to be a member. Just come and join us for part or all of the evening on May 1st. We always have a great time laughing and learning more about each other at this event. If you know of people outside our class who'd like to be a part of the team, they are more than welcome.

We need to raise $100 for the entry fee. This Sunday we'll take donations, so if you'd like to contribute to that, come prepared!

Once again we'll be doing our tried and true Beans and Cornbread fundraiser. As soon as the date is set, we'll let you know. Anyone and everyone that can help by preparing a crock pot of beans or some pans of cornbread would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Update March 31, 2009

2009-03-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Would you like to know the plan for the next several months of Sunday school? Well, here is a start. Last Sunday's discussion gave us an order for the topics we want to address as a class. Those topics, in the order we will be studying them, are:
Living a disciplined life (prayer, Bible study, worship)
Maturing in our obedience to God, thus glorifying Christ
Forming new relationships with people (evangelism)
Making a difference in our community; serving the needs of our neighbors
Participating in mission activities (international, national, and local)
Caring for one another (intercessory prayer, counsel, service)

Thank you to the members of the class who helped with suggesting ideas. Now let's get to work on putting into practice these actions. Next Sunday (April 5), we will look at the example of Jesus to observe the elements of his disciplined life. For your homework this week, select a chapter from one of the Gospels and read it through twice on each of at least two days. If about thirty people come to class Sunday, we should be able to list a lot of the actions of Jesus that we have observed in our readings.

Remember that on Easter Sunday, the worship service will be held in the Harral Auditorium of Wayland Baptist University. There will be no Sunday school that day. The following Sunday (April 19), Cathy and I will be in Lubbock where I will be teaching a lesson on world religions. I will start right now getting a teacher lined up to conduct the lesson for our class that day.

Pray for me--this is a busy week, er, month. And I will pray for you, too.

david

Update March 29, 2009

2009-03-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

Please Pray for Jamie Coon (John Coon's brother) and his family.

David Milstead's niece, Heather, her sister-in-law died so the family needs Prayers for grace to get through this difficult time of loss.

Pray for Gene Lance - Surgery for throat cancer. Pray for his recovery.

Pray for David Evan's Dad who has Dementia.

Ester Rodriquez - Pray for her and Mario as they are going through difficult times.

Jean DeMerritt's sister - Please Pray for (Joyce) She is going through a difficult time - Domestic violence
Comphrensive Science Exams for Masters.

Pray for Cory(Bill & Judy Davis son-in-law) who is in Afghanistan.
Pray for Paul Langford who is going to Afghanistan.

Lynette's Work - a staff meeting. Pray for wisdom of God in meeting.

Ester Rodriquez's Mom needs our Prayers. She is having heart problems.

Please continue to Pray for Jo Carol Walker.

Pray for Nathan Ray, who has recently broke up with his girlfriend. Also Pray that he finds a Church home in Tulsa, Ok..

March 22, 2009

2009-03-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

Pray for Alton Painter as he continues to recover from a fractured vertebra.

Pray for Crystal McDonald that she finds a job with a Christian boss and Christian co-workers.

Praise David for bringing us such great lessons each Sunday

Update March 15, 2009

2009-03-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Crystal McDonald still needs a job. Please Pray that God will lead her to a job with a Christian boss and co-workers.

Erin (Pat and Blaine Smith's daughter) is still put to bed with her pregnancy. Please Pray that the baby will not come until her due date.

Praise - David Evans is looking and feeling good.

Pray for those who are traveling during this spring break.

Pray for the students who are doing God's work during this spring break.

Update March 13, 2009

2009-03-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Have you been wondering what will happen during Sunday school this Sunday? Here are my suggestions:

A. Each person spend some time today or tomorrow reviewing the Bible readings you have been doing this week. Write down a verse or passage that particularly intrigued, encouraged, or troubled you. Bring your note to class Sunday and everyone take turns sharing their observations. Pray for each other and for the needs of the community.

B. Visit the church library (second floor, end of the hallway) to observe what resources are available for studying: the Bible, missions, and daily discipleship. Each person find a book you want to read the next week and check it out. Come back to the classroom and discuss which book you got and why you got it. Pray for the church leaders, paid and volunteer, and for those who are doing missions during Spring Break.

C. Review the lists on the whiteboard. Try to isolate specific projects that our class could take on. Identify activities which are already taking place in our church and divide up assignments to contact the leaders of those activities. Be ready to provide a list to the class on March 22. Go around the room describing the conditions of your children, then pray for each other's families.

You could do any one or all three of these as time allows. I will see you on Sunday March 22.

david

Update March *, 2009

2009-03-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Pray for Sara Howle during her pregnancy.

Prayer Request - Fred improving - continue to Pray
Erin 30 weeks along and is on bed rest
Danny Andrews biopsy
Martha biopsy

Pray for good results from a biopsy for Martha Shaw.

Pray for our students and adults going on Mission McAllen, March 15-19

Please continue to Pray for Erin (Blaine and Pat Smith's daughter) during her pregnancy.

Please continue to Pray for Kip McDonald.

Pray for David, Cathy, and students during their spring break trip.

New Update

2009-03-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

Did you realize that spring break for the Plainview schools is rapidly
approaching? That will mean some changes of routine for many of us.
For example, the Baptist Student Ministry of Wayland's Plainview
campus will be sponsoring a trip for students who would otherwise be
stuck in Plainview for the week while all their friends are elsewhere.
The students most in need are international students, not only because
they are far from family, but because most of them have very limited
financial resources. Although some sponsors have been found to help
out (including the Missions Committee of FBC), there are still nine
internationals who do not have the $200 necessary for the trip. Would
you consider donating funds to help these students? If so, bring a
check made out to "Baptist Student Ministry" this Sunday and I will
take it to Donnie Brown. Or you can contact his office directly, if
you wish; I will have details on Sunday.

Also related to spring break: Cathy and I will be in California on
March 15. We are taking some WBU students to visit Golden Gate Baptist
Theological Seminary. These students are seeking to understand God's
will for their ministries after graduation. Our class will need to
discuss what to do that Sunday. I know that the Mannings will be out
and there may be a number of others who have made plans.

So we will see you Sunday in the new classroom. Be ready to talk, OK?

david

New Update

2009-03-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

So was it low-attendance day last Sunday and no one told me? Well, the dozen or so of us who gathered for study had a good time. We looked at Matthew 28:16-20 to get some directions on the purpose for the church. This Sunday we will continue with the same passage and try to understand: 1) our purpose as a Sunday school class, and 2) what we need to do to achieve that purpose.

We will also be meeting in a new (old) room. It is the room on the third floor that is against the north wall (the Dixons warn that it is cooler than our present room). Alton or someone will be directing traffic. We took all the padded chairs with us, you will be happy to know.

See you there!

david

Update March 1, 2009

2009-03-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

Please Pray for our youth and adults going on Mission McAllen during spring break

New Update February 25, 2009

2009-02-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

Would you please add these two prayer concerns on the prayer blog?

Tonei Chatham passed away Sunday night. Please keep her husband, Tommy, and her son, Tad, in your prayers.

Kip McDonald was medically dropped from the Navy Seal candidate program for the third and final time. He is feeling very low. Please continue to lift him up. His body is healing, and now God needs to give him mental and emotional healing. He needs God to tell him what direction to go from here. He will be having pulmonary tests run Thursday (2-26-09). Please be in prayer for the tests.

Thanks,

Doris

Update February 22, 2009

2009-02-22T16:24:00.000-08:00

Faith is taking 19 hrs this semester and is very stressed. Please keep her in your Prayers. Martha Shaw

Ben & Delina Egnew (New York) are trying to sell their home & move to Vermont where Ben is now working. Thanks The Egnews

Jacob Egnew was in a motorcycle accident & broke his sternum. It is very painful, but he should recover completely.

Thanks for all your Prayers!

Continue to Pray for Nathan Ray, that he finds a church home.

Kip McDonald Recovery and encouragement.

Sarah - David and Cathy's daughter-in-law in Australia is 12 weeks pregnant. Greg's wife.

Olga - Paul - esophagus biopsy.
Shafa - Claude Lush's 16 year old niece has Hodgkins

Update February 15, 2009

2009-02-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

Pray for Nathan Ray, son of Tom & Linda. He just recently broke up with his girlfriend, and he also needs to find a church home.

Crystal McDonald needs a job. Please Pray for a Christian boss and Christian co-workers.

Kip McDonald starts Navy Seal Hell week today. Please Pray for good health, safety, strength, endurance, etc. Please Pray that his body can handle the cold weather.

Sally Eaves - I have been diagnosed with advanced degeneration of the vertebrae in my neck and middle back. I am under a Doctor's care & believe we are seeing some good results. However it is going to takr months to stop & hopefully reverse the degeneration. Please Pray that the therapy will work & hopefully alleviate the migraaine headaches that I suffer with.

Please Pray for Erin during her pregnancy. She has had some complications and is now on bed rest. Pray that she & her baby will be protected during this time. Pat Smith.

Update February 12, 2009

2009-02-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

Larry,

I have received a call from Joe Wright thanking us for the prayers for Vickie during her open heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. He said that the surgery went well and she has been moved to a private room as of this afternoon (Wednesday). She will remain in the hospital about another week and then in Arizona probably another two weeks before returning home. If anyone is interested in sending a card, the address is:

Joe and Vickie Wright

9879 E. Chuckwagon Lane

Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Thanks,

Pat Smith

Update February 10, 2009

2009-02-10T18:55:00.001-08:00

Larry, please post the following:
__________________________________________

There will be a spring break retreat for university students through the Baptist Student Ministry office. Seven international students are hoping to go, but none of them have funding. So far only two sponsors have signed up to help these students. If you would like to help, contact Donnie Brown at the BSM or send a message through David Howle.

The Bible passages for next Sunday's lesson are Leviticus 19:17-18; Matthew 5:43-48; 1 John 4:7-12

Update February 8, 2009

2009-02-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

Pray for Linda Eversole - death of husband. Charles

Pray for Jessica Young a Wayland student serving on the mission field in Africa.

Praise for Tracy, Richard & Family with the birth of Amber Nicole. Thanks for all your Prayers - Olga

Continual Prayers for Cory Kirk(Judy & Bill Davis' son-in-law) as he serves in Afghanistan.

Pray that my parents move here for next winter Dec - Feb. I am going to Pray them here. Annette Coon

Pray for the family of Danny Ivy - Ag teacher from Hale Center. Danny died thursday. Funeral will be monday.

Tonei Chatham will have Chemo in Lubbock. Pray that the blood thinner drugs disolve the blood clots. They need hope.

Thank you to Rick and Martha Shaw for opening their home for a book review and fellowship.

Larry, please add this to our prayer requests:

My daughter, Erin Smith Galyean, is having some problems with her pregnancy. She has been put on bed rest and is about 26 weeks along at this point. Please pray that God will take care of these problems, protect her baby and allow her to carry this child full term.

Thanks for your prayers,

Pat Smith

Update February 1, 2009

2009-02-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

Please Pray for Vickie Wright - Open Heart surgery on February 9, 2009.
Please Pray for Ray Daffern - Biopsy on thyroid tumer Monday February 2, 2009.

Please keep Tracy Rosales in your Prayers. She is in her last three weeks of her pregnancy.

Please Pray that God will supply a job with Christian co-workers for Crystal McDonald.

Please Pray for Joe Schiel ( Jean DeMerritt's Dad) who is having knee surgery Monday, February2,2009 in Roswell, N.M.

Let us thank God that we have such a wonderful Sunday School Teacher.(David Howle)

Update january 25, 2009

2009-01-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

Continue to Pray for Rick Shaw and our Wayland students in Kenya.

Kip starts 1 phase Monday.
Cory Kirk (Judy and Bill Davis' son-in-law) deploys to the Middle East this week. Please Pray for him and his wife and baby. Thanks

Cathy Howle's aunt Betty Ruinhard is waiting for cornea transplant.

Update January 18,2009

2009-01-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

(Olga) Continued Prayers for Tracy and Baby for the next four weeks.
(Olga) Continued Prayers for my brother for the loss of his wife.

Pray for David Milstead - He will have IVIG tues. &wed. of this week and mon., tues.,&wed. of next week.Please Pray that he has no side effects and does what it's suppose to do.

Please Pray that Crystal McDonald will find a good computer job.

Please Pray for Wendell & Pat Blankinship that they have a total recovery from their surgeries.

Pray for Rick Shaw and his team in Kenya.

Update

2009-01-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

Larry,

Please add these to the prayer list.

Thanks for the prayers for my father, Roy Daffern. I believe his surgery went as well as could be expected. He will be seeing another doctor later this week to make sure the melanoma has not spread further. Please continue to pray for his health.

Please also pray for Blaine’s mother, Jean Smith. Her condition is rapidly getting worse. Pray for her health and for Blaine and his sister as they will be faced with difficult decisions.

Thanks, Pat Smith

Update January 11, 2008

2009-01-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

My aunt in San Antonio, Betty Reinhard, is awaiting for a cornea transplant. She will need prayers for this special need.

Tonei - Tom Chatam - Cancer treatment

Pray for Danny Andrews

Crystal McDonald has a job at Steinmart. This week they layed off some people and reduced her hours to 9 for next week. Please Pray that she finds a computer job to use the skills she learned at school.

Diane McAvinch- David Milstead's sister was placed in a rehab center in Conroe. She is recovering from 2 broken ankles, broken shoulder, and chipped vertibrea in her neck.

Pray for David Milstead as he is to undergo a very difficult treatment.

Pray for Rick Shaw and all that went to Kenya.

Update for week of January 4, 2009

2009-01-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

Pat Smith’s dad, Roy Daffern, will have surgery to remove a cancerous growth on his ear tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. He has some heart issues that could be a problem. Please pray that all will go well.

Blaine Smith’s mom is not doing well. Please pray for her and the family.

Doris McDonald’s ex-sister-in-law, Lori, is having a lot of stress in her life. Her mom was diagnosed with liver cancer Christmas Eve. Even with chemo (which she started today), the doctor told her that it was fast growing and that she probably has a year or two to live. Lori lost her dad in 2001 with cancer. Today (Monday), Lori will go with her husband, Jim, to a doctor’s appointment. His arms have been numb and they haven’t found out why. Please pray that a correct diagnosis will be made and that treatment will be simple. Also, he has had radiation on his throat from previous surgery, and he has no sense of sweet, salty, or sour. He only tastes bitter, so he doesn’t want to eat. He is 56 and a non-smoker. All three believe there is a God, but do not attend church. Please pray that Lori will have God’s peace and that godly people will attend to their needs.

Keep Kip McDonald in your Prayers as he starts Navy Seal training this week.

Pray for Rick Shaw and the Wayland students traveling with him to Kenya. They will return February 1, 2009. Pray that they will have a safe trip and much success doing God's work there.

Update December 28, 2008

2008-12-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Praise - Nancy Potter (Annette Coon's Mother) is doing better, but still needs prayer.

Praise - Jonathan Eaves has a new job. He starts today as a personal trainer at the Life Time in Mansfield.

Pray for Danny Andrews - healing after surgery.

Tracy Rosales - continued prayer through the rest of the pregnancy.

Praise - I am doing better after surgery. Prayer - I will have a long recovery. Pray that I do not reinjure myself. Larry Ward Also thank you for your prayers

Update December 7, 2008

2008-12-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

Pray for those traveling during the holidays.

Pray for Missie and Jenny Goens as they go to Haitie for mission work.

Pray for Nancy Potter - Annette Coon's mother is in the hospital.

Pray for Dianne Ward's cousin's daughter who was in a car wreck and is parilized from the neck down.

Continue to Pray for David Howle's healing.

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for me. Larry Ward

Have a great week.

Update for week of Novemver 30, 2008

2008-11-30T11:17:00.000-08:00

Pray for Timothy Eaves who has a respiratory infection.

Continue to Pray for Easter's mother, Brenda Martinez, for her health. Pray for Kristine Blanco and Aline Cavazos - May God bless their pregnancies.

Continue to Pray for our Government.

Pray for John as he recovers from the flu. Olga
Continue to Pray for Tracy and baby.

Thank You for all the Prayers on my recent hip surgery. I am doing well. Larry

Update November 16, 2008

2008-11-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

Brenda Martinez - Pray for her health. Ester's Mother

Pray for Aline Cavazos and her pregnancy.

Pray for Larry & Dianne Ward. Larry has hip surgery thurs 11-20-08 at Covenant Lakeside in Lubbock, Tx.

Update November 9, 2008

2008-11-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

Kip McDonald was medically rolled over to the next class. Please Pray that his Achilese Heel and Shin Splints will heal so he can successfully complete Navy Seal training. The next class begins in January 2009.

Pray for Katie Jackson (Randy's Daughter) that she fully recovers quickly from stomach illness.

Keep our daughter, Amy, who needs help making major decisions about work and moving from Tampa, Fl.

Keep David Howle in your prayers for a complete and painless as possable healing.

Continue to Pray for David Evans and his wife Linda.

Update November 2, 2008

2008-11-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

Please Pray for Rick Pledger, a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He was in a motorcycle accident and broke his back in three places and his neck in four places. He faces a long and painful recovery.

Pray for the election this tuesday.

Praise God! and thank you for your prayers! Despite what the radiologist and the surgen thought, your prayers were answered and the test results were benign! Thank You for your prayers. Doris

Ben and Delina were in a car wreck with the twins in the back seat. Expedition totaled, but all Egnews were OK. Thank You God.

Please continue to pray for Jean Smith, Blaine's Mom, for her recovery. His Aunt Mimi just had knee surgery - please pray that she will heal quickly (to help out with Jean's full recovery.

Please pray that David Howle's hand surgery goes well and he has a full recovery.

It’s benign!!!! Just fibrocystic changes due to hormornes. No cancer cells or abnormal cells. This is a result of prayer. Both the radiologist and the surgeon said that by looking at my mammogram, it looked to be malignant. The surgeon was surprised when the needle biopsy came back benign. God is good!! Thank you so much for your prayers – I felt every one.

Love to all,

Doris

Update October 29, 2008

2008-10-29T17:07:00.001-07:00

Larry,

Would you please update the prayer blog and let everyone know that I will have surgery Wednesday morning. The needle biopsy indicated that it is benign. Thank you so much for all of your prayers. It will be day surgery, so I will be home Wednesday night.

Doris

Update October 26, 2008

2008-10-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

Please Pray for - David Evans
Paulette Manning - ill
Success for Robert Black's surgery
David Howle's upcoming hand surgery

Please continue to Pray for Jean Smith's healing in her neck and throat. (Blaine's Mother)

Please continue to Pray for George Dillmon. ( Sally's Uncle)

Please Pray for Timothy Eaves during this time of changing jobs & training as a government special agent in Georgia before being located in Dallas.

Please continue to Pray for Kip McDonald. He starts Phase 1 tomorrow. It will be more difficult than it was the first time.

Please Pray for Doris McDonald and Jenifer Falk - Lumps in their breast. Doris surgery will be next week - probably Tues. or Wed.

Update October 19, 2008

2008-10-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

Please Pray for Jo Carrol Walker who is having bad back trouble.

Please Pray for Jean Smith (Blaine's Mother) that she will have healing in her neck.

Please Pray for salvation for George "Uncle Bill" Dillman. Pray that he will accept Christ. Sally's great uncle lives in Houston, Tx. and is 88 years old.

Please Pray for Rob Dillman (Sally's Twin Brother) and family - serious family needs.

Please Pray for all the men and women serving our country.

Update October 12, 2008

2008-10-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Please Pray for John Coon's Aunt Barb in Ohio - tumor on kidney.

Please Pray for Blaine Smith's mother, Jean Smith. She is recovering from surgery after a broken neck.

Please Pray that the lump in Doris McDonald's breast is benign.

Pray for travel merceies for Cary & Sally Eaves as they travel to and from Houston
to check on her Uncle Bill. Also please Pray for his salvation. Pray that God
opens his heart and mind to their witnessing.

Please keep all people serving on missions through out the world in your Prayers.

Update October 5, 2008

2008-10-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Praise - Crystal McDonald starts a new job today. Thank you for your prayers.

Praise - Tracy has gotten a great report and we praise God for that. Thanks to everyone who brought meals to the family. (Olga & John Quintana) We're having a "Girl"

Praise - Timothy Eaves has been called by (ICE) and will make a lateral transfer into Immigration Customs Enforcement at the end of this month. He will be training in Georgia for 6 1/2 months before moving to Dallas for his job.

Kip starts Seal Training over October 6, 2008 due to being rolled out of previous training because of pneumonia. Kip McDonald

Update September 28, 2008

2008-09-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Pray that my medication cured me! Also pray for my family - Ester

Vincent Mokaya - children's ministry at Gachie West Baptist Church Kenya.

Pray for Robert Black, he is facing prostate cancer surgery.

Continue to pray for Tracey's pregnancy. Olga and John

Pray for Dr Steve Turner - heart problems.

Phillip Short - He is in Tijuana, Mexico undergoing cancer treatment. He is the neighbor of Richard and JoBeth DeSoto.

Pray for the victims of Hurricane Ike.

Update Sepmber 17, 2008

2008-09-17T17:49:00.001-07:00

Please express our gratitude for the prayers yesterday. The surgery for Blaine’s mother, Jean Smith, was successful. We know that this is only one hurdle that we will have to get over, but she has a good start with a successful surgery. Please continue to pray for her during her recovery.

Thanks,

Pat

Update September 15, 2008

2008-09-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

Please add Blaine’s mother to the prayer list. She fell last Thursday and fractured her neck. She is 88 and the options available to us to correct this are not good, but she will be having surgery tomorrow. Her name is Jean Smith.

Thanks,

Pat Smith

Update September 14, 2008

2008-09-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

Pray for the victims of the hurricane in Galveston - Houston area.

Pray for Linda Ray's brother and sister-in-law in the loss of her mother.

Pray for Andy Jackson (Randy's Father) Tuesday (09/16/2008) is the first wedding aniversery since his wife's passing.

Tim Eaves - possible job change - pray that God will direct him and reveal his will for his life.

Crystal McDonald needs a job.

Praise - Doris McDonald's step-mom's knee replacement went well. Thank You for your prayers.

Pray for Jo Carrol Walker's back pain. Also Pray for David Walker to find a job.

Praise for Larry & Dianne's son and daughter-in-law made it out of Houston before hurricane Ike hit. They live in Seabrook about a mile from Nasa and accross the street from clearlake.

Pray that their apartment will be in good shape when they return.

Pray for Larry & Dianne's son John on his continued healing from back surgery

Update September 8, 2008

2008-09-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Friends:

Two mission opportunities are approaching quickly. I need your help, please.

1. The first Habitat for Humanity home construction will begin this coming Saturday, 13 September 2008, at 8:30 AM at the parking lot next to the Wayland Bowl. I have several WBU students committed to participate; however, these bright and eager young women and men will need others to join them. If you have foundation experience (or even if you do not), might you come and give two to three hours of your Saturday morning to help with this project? The owners of the home both work for Wayland; the father of the family is Ismael, who works in maintenance; the mother of the family is Mary, who cleans the Flores Bible Building; the son works for Sodexho in the cafeteria.

2. The Invisible Children Ministry will be screening at our church (chapel) on Tuesday evening, 16 September 2008. These four young people are deeply committed to a ministry to the “invisible children” of northern Uganda. The children are kidnapped and trained as child soldiers. Some of the children are sold into prostitution, as children. Our Apostolos Mission Community, which I sponsor at the University, is sponsoring this screening. The four young people will need a meal before the screening, as well as breakfast the next morning. Might you help publicize this event?

Thank you so much for your concern for the mission of Christ.

Rick

Richard William Shaw, PhD
Assistant Professor of Religion and Mission and
Director of Kenya Program and Wayland Mission Center
Wayland Baptist University
1900 West 7th Street, CMB 344
Plainview, Texas 79072
USA
806.291.1162 office
806.291.0111 home
806.543.8871 mobile
shawr@wbu.edu

Update for week of August 31, 2008

2008-08-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks for praying for all the Egnews, Michael played his first game at Missouri University! Egnews

Continue prayers for Tracy & Baby for good pregnancy. Olga Quintana

David Evans was hospitalized last week, but test for bone cancer were negative. He is back home this week.

Please Pray for John Ward's recovery. He had two back surgeries this past week. Larry & Dianne Ward

Update August 24, 2008

2008-08-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Pray for Jeanne Ray, Tom's Mom. She was in the hospital last week.

Pray for all of our students, teachers, and parents as the new school year starts tomorrow.

Pray for Jo Carol Walker and Jerrod Burknett.

Pray for Tami Manning - Job interview on Wednesday.

Please pray for my sister, Pam - business negotiations in buying out a practice. She is a Doctor. Pat Smith

Please pray for Ashley Hardage. She starts this morning as Music Minister at FBC Earth.

Praise - Clay McDonald will graduate Thursday with the Secret Service. Please Pray for travel mercies for us as we go to the ceremony. David & Doris

Message from Rick Shaw

2008-08-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Fellow class members:

Vincent Moyaka, the children’s minister with whom we worked while in Kenya, has a dream, i.e. to attend Wayland Baptist University in Kenya. He has spoken with me about this. We have prayed together. David and I have discussed this, as well.

Each of you knows the tremendous value of education; many of you recognize the value of education in the developing world.

In order for Vincent to be admitted to WBU-Kenya, he must take the SAT examination. The cost of that in Kenya is 5000 KSH (approximately $74.02 at the current conversion rate).

I realize this request is above that of the teacher we discussed Sunday. If you feel led to help Vincent with this test fee, please contact me. Thank you for your compassion.

Christ’s power

Rick

Update August 17, 2008

2008-08-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

Pray for school teachers,wayland faculity and staff, and students. Tom

Our friend Beth from Lubbock received her last chemo treatment last week. Pray that the cancer is gone and will not return. Howles

Please keep the Wilsons in prayer. Randy was diagnosed with high blood pressure and Cher was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We are also looking for a new house. I do praise God for all he is doing in our lives. Cher

We pray for the newest Kenya oephan, Eunice. Her mother died of aids on thursday. Rick

Continued prayer for Richard, Tracy, and Baby that things will continue to be alright. Difficulty with pregnancy. Olga and John

Let us all put Christ first in our lives.

Update August 10, 2008

2008-08-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

Pray for Wayland students and faculty as we begin the fall semester. Tom Ray

Pray for what direction our class needs to go - our witness to Plainview.

Clay McDonald has a Big test Monday. This will determine whether or not he will continue to be in training for the Secret Service.

Pray for Chelsea Ward as she is recovering from an overian cyst. Also Pray for Edwin Ward - mental health issues. His brother John Ward is having back surgery August 27, 2008. Larry and Dianne Ward

Remember to lift Jo Carol Walker up in Prayer as she is facing surgeries in the near future.

We are all thankful to have David Howle as our Sunday School teacher and friend

Update August 7, 2008

2008-08-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we will continue our study of women in the Bible. We will be in the New Testament (finally!) looking at Mary, the mother of Jesus. Scripture readings are taken from Luke 1-2 and John 19:25-27. We are nearing the end of our study, so be thinking about what you would like us to examine next.

The following Sunday (August 17), our class has been asked to provide side dishes and cook hamburgers on the grill for the university students after the worship service. We will be in the pavilion, so you might want to bring some shorts to change into! We will discuss the details next Sunday.

Update August 4, 2008

2008-08-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Smiles to everyone!

If you have not already heard, Mario's BIL, Gus Hernandez passed away 7-24-08. We want to thank everyone for your prayers. I want to let everyone know that in May 08, I was able to witness to Gus and he did let me know that he was ready and that he knew JESUS!

Please continue to pray for those that he has left behind.

Thanks again for your many prayers!

Love
ester

Update August 3, 2008

2008-08-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Pray for Rick's family as they grieve the death of his uncle, Glen Fuller - Martha Shaw

Please Pray for my mom Lois White. She had two strokes and the Doctors say there is nothing more they can do. Thank You - Candy Waller

David Howle's cousin, Diane Adair, has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Please put her in your prayer time. Her Mom is Jo Lively. The Howle's

Our friend in Lubbock,Beth Perry, is almost finished with Chemo. She is now losing her fingernails. Continue to Pray for her.

Praise of the return of Kenyanians.

Please pray for JoCarrol Walker and David. Jo Carrol has two more surgeries coming up. david has lost his job and needs another.

Please continue to Pray for Larry & Dianne's two sons. Edwin has mental health issues, and John is scheduled to have two back surgeries the last of August.

Update July 28, 2008

2008-07-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

Praise - Larry & Dianne Ward's youngest son, Edwin, called Sunday for the first time in nearly a year. This made Dianne and I very happy. We are hoping God continues to heal Edwin's mental health issues. We thank our sunday school class for helping us through a tough time in our lives.

Larry & Dianne Ward

Update July 27, 2008

2008-07-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Praise - God completly protected Timothy through last week's hurricane Dolly. His apartment received minimal flooding, but nothing was ruined. He has been manning the emergency shelter in Brownsville, but is now back out in the field.

Please Pray for the men who just completed Walk to Emmaus #59. Also please Pray for our country and our troops and their families.

Praise - God's protection of Ashley. Pray for a safe return of all the team in Kenya.

Update July 20, 2008

2008-07-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Continue to pray daily for the Howle's Ashley, and the WBU students with Rick Shaw in Kenya.

Praise - David Evans - Feeling much better then I have felt in a long time.

Tami Manning - job in Albuquerque, N.M. - Attorney.

Praise - Richard & Tracy for the new expecting addition to their family. Pray that everything will go well the next seven months. (Olga & John)

Pray for Jo Carol Walker (another back surgery)

School is very hard. Please Pray that Clay McDonald will do well on all his test.

Update July 16, 2008

2008-07-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Good Morning All!

Please pray for the family of Mike Gilbreath. Many of you may have heard or seen the accident that claimed his life on the news yesterday. Rachel, Mindy and I worked with Mike, as he was the 64th District Court Bailiff. The awesome thing is that HE knew the LORD! Again, pray for those that he has left behind.

love

ester

Kenya Update

2008-07-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

david

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Richard Shaw
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 2:11 PM
To: employees; m23shaw@yahoo.com; marvknox@baptiststandard.com
Subject: Day #5 in Kenya, from Wayland Program, Rick Shaw

Colleagues:

I have asked our eight potential graduates to write a short piece for publication, articulating their experience in Wayland's BA program here in Kenya. I have written two of their responses below.

BA PROGRAM IN KENYA

NAME: HARUN MIATU

I am one of the eight graduating students in the WBU Kenyan Program on the 25th of July 2008. I enrolled in the Wayland Degree Program in October 2003 as a freshman, with a focused mind of using what I will learn for the glory of God in my call as a Pastor. Serving God and his people has been my delight and drive in life, but I didn’t have in depth biblical understanding and technical skills to lead well.

I thank the Lord for having enabled me to be enrolled in this Program that has positively impacted my life and ministry. This program has prepared me to handle the current issues that our people are facing in providing relevant ways of tackling them. My leadership styles have changed and now I’m a better servant leader who cares for the people he is serving. I have been able to balance between being a task oriented leader and relationship oriented in that our church can now thrive in its task as well as relating and caring well for the people.

I have also started a process of discipleship of nurturing believers to be effective in their walk with Christ in our church for the past four years. Also through what I have received from this program, has enabled me to start a leadership empowerment and development classes in our church for the past five years. Evangelism has become not only a process of getting new converts but also of nurturing these ones to have a Christ like character.

I have an outstanding balance of 37,779 KSH that stands as a great hindrance for me to graduate on the 25th of this month which I have eagerly waited for a long time. I intend to pursue my education further even after graduating with BA in Religion.

BA PROGRAM IN KENYA

NAME: FRANCIS AZIAVULA MIDEGA

I am one of the 8 graduating students of Wayland Baptist University – Kenya Campus. I joined this program in October 2003 for an Associate of Applied Science Course with a major in Religion. I am currently in the last semester of my BA course.

The Wayland Program has been of great benefit to me and the ministry God has entrusted upon me. I am gifted as a preacher/teacher and currently serving in a church at the Coastal town of Mombasa as an Associate minister. The knowledge I have gained through Wayland has helped me become increasingly competent in handling God’s word especially when ministering in a predominantly Muslim town of Mombasa. I have since helped my church in setting up discipleship classes to help ground members in Gods word. Through the managerial skills acquired, I have set up effective Home Bible Fellowships (HBF) throughout the coastal town that are running effectively. I can boldly assert that the Wayland program has equipped me with necessary tools to be able to handle the doctrinal corruption which is increasingly sweeping across our country.

My future plan is to pursue my education to the doctorate level and be able to offer service to our Kenyan Campus. The major challenge I am facing is difficult in paying my fees balance that currently stand at Kenya shillings 40,321. This is becoming a major hindrance to my graduation scheduled for 25th July 2008, and to my future plan.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I ask for your prayers for our Kenya students, as they continue in this session. They are currently studying in the fourth semester of New Testament Greek, and music appreciation. Our eight potential graduates are also enrolled in graduate seminar, preparing portfolios, CVs, and taking exit examinations.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Our Wayland Plainview students, Jessica Young, Micah Evans, and Kelsey Beggs, have been ministering in the Misiri slum located approximately four kilometers from our campus here near Tigoni. The ministry appointed to us by the Kenyan church is to counsel with persons infected with HIV, to lead in seminars and other activities with orphans, and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through home visits in the neighborhood around the church building.

The greatest joy this day was that we had the remarkable privilege of leading two Kenyans to faith in Jesus Christ. Micah Evans and I were working with three indigenous Kenyans, making home visits near the Imani Baptist Church. Along the road, a woman and a man approached and asked if we might share the Word of God with them. Their lives were horrific, their family was experiencing tragedy and crisis, and they needed to find hope and encouragement, this couple declared.

Shadrach, Joyce, and Isaac looked at Micah and me, and asked, "Dr. Shaw, Micah, will you share the Word of God with this man and woman?" Micah and I told the story of God's great love for all of the world, humankind's great need for salvation and guidance, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for all people, including Kenyans, and including this couple. To our great astonishment, Ezinah and Patrick immediately asked, "Might we receive this great news for ourselves?"

And the LORD provided us with the miraculous privilege of seeing this married couple come to know Jesus Christ through personal faith.

I am grateful to each of you, who is supporting us in prayer.

Rick

Update July 15, 2008

2008-07-15T19:04:00.001-07:00

We have a PRAISE! Our granddaughter, Summer Dillard, is recovering nicely from her spleenectomy 4 weeks ago. She has been completely weened off her prednisone and her platelets were still above normal. They don't have to return to Lubbock for two months. This is such a relief considering they have been traveling back and forth to Lubbock every couple of weeks for the past 15 months. The doctors feel like the surgery was a success. Thank you for all your prayers for our family. Glenn and Coralyn Dillard

Kenya Update

2008-07-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Another report from Kenya

From: Richard Shaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 2:12 PM
To: employees; m23shaw@yahoo.com; marvknox@baptiststandard.com
Subject: Day #9 in Kenya, a Christian Kikuyu Burial Service

This day begins a cold, rainy, and foggy morning, with heavy mist leaning toward spitting rain. As I step out of our little cottage here at Kenya Baptist Theological College, I ponder the task that has been set before me. Pastor Linus Kirimi, of the Imani (Faith) Baptist Church, and Deputy Principal of KBTC, has requested that I conduct the burial service for a gentleman who died of AIDS this past Friday. The gentleman was a Kikuyu tribesman, husband of at least one wife, and father of several children. One of his wives, Teresia, is a member of Imani Church, though her husband was not a believer. Although reticent about such a daunting task, I recall the now famous words of Dr. Keith Parks to Martha and me, upon our interviewing for global mission service, "The key word in missions is 'flexibility.'" I've conducted many a funeral service, including some cross-culturally, but an African burial service is quite an alien beast.

Our Wayland mission team piles in the vehicle with Pastor Linus and Ministry Director Humphrey, and we head toward the Misiri slum, where we have been working these nine days. We know it like the back of our hands now, having visited the HIV+ clients, the Miracle House orphanage, and those persons who have come to faith in Jesus Christ through the power of God's Spirit, and our witness. Micah, Jessica, and Kelsey have begun to find their mission niches in this place. Kelsey, whose heart is burning to be a nurse, is giving injections to clients in the ghetto. Micah always has his eye on the economics of families and the community, and is struggling with innovative solutions to the demonic cycle of poverty. Jessica told us on Sunday, "Kenya is beginning to hold a special place in my heart." She has a history here, and, I believe she is finding it. (Her grandmother tutored one of the most respected and wisest pastors in Kenya.) The muddy, slippery, and unmanageable roads prevent us from making it all the way to the cemetery, so we are forced to walk the last kilometer on foot.

As we approach the large group of mourners, standing in the now driving rain with umbrellas in hand, we realize the service has begun. The Master of Ceremonies (perhaps similar to a funeral director?) is instructing guests where to stand. Pastor Linus and I approach the coffin, which stands far removed from all present. "The people do not stand too close, because the man was not a believer," the Kenyan tells me. "But you can stand close to it, Dr. Shaw, because you preach to the living, not to the dead."

Obedient to the national's request, I move toward the head of the red-stained wooden coffin, outlined in goldleaf, with a sliding door above the deceased's face. A simple framed photograph stands on the sliding door, with the gentleman's name printed below the picture. The man's widow, Teresia, sits approximately 30 feet away, alone, clothed in black, with a white lace drape.

As soon as Linus and I approach the coffin, a round-faced, rotund woman begins to sing, in the Kikuyu tribal language, a song in pentatonic tones. As she finishes the first phrase, the rest of the mourners respond. The Kikuyu woman continues with a second phrase, and the rain-drenched chorus responds. The lining out continues for several moments. Soon after, Pastor Linus begins the same process, and I notice that several strong voices line out, and then the majority of folks respond.

Following the music, Pastor Linus speaks to me, and asks me to preach.

The sermon I preach, translated by associate pastor Shadrach, is drawn from Jesus' dialogue on the Bethany road with Martha, who had two days prior lost her single brother. "I am the resurrection and the life . .. . whoever believes in me, yet he dies, shall he live," Jesus declares. The sermon is for the living, many who believe, and many who do not. I address Teresia (or Mama Susan, according to Kikuyu culture, the mother's identity enveloped in that of her firstborn child), to give her hope for her grief and sorrow. And just as Martha in the New Testament narrative surely found solace in the Jesus' words, I trust this Kikuyu woman finds encouragement in the Gospel story.

Shortly after my homily, Pastor Linus calls for strong men, and these Kenyan pall bearers come forward, with a Kenyan pastor and a muzungu missionary at the head of the coffin. We move toward an open, freshly dug grave. To my astonishment, six men jump into the pit, and the simple coffin is lowered gingerly down, to their waiting hands. I wonder how this pit, dug to fit the casket precisely, will accomodate the box without a jolt to the grave floor. But no sudden thud is heard, and the six men are pulled from the hole, without ever stepping on the wooden box.

"Grab a handful of dirt behind you," Pastor Linus instructs me, and those persons immediately around the pit, including widow Teresia, pick up rich, red Kenyan soil with their right hands. And then as Pastor Linus speaks, each one throws the dirt onto the coffin deep within the hole.

"Get a spade," the instructions continue, "for you are the preacher, and must fill the hole."

So I begin to shovel dirt into the 12 foot pit, in the driving rain, with hundreds of Kenyans watching. I work for several moments, and then many African men join me. The work continues, and as it does, the Kenyan women sing. As I shovel and listen, I ask Shadrach the meaning of the words.

"I am a watchman, waiting for the Savior, listening for the trumpet call . . . one day I will go to glory, to be with my Jesus," the Kikuyu song declares. The song, pitched in Eb major, lined out by strong women's voices, and antiphoned by the remaining hundreds, is in open fifths, in pentatonic scale. After several moments, there is a modulation to F major, and the fervor of the multitude increases. We dig, and we sing, and we stand in the driving rain.

When a mound stands atop the grave, Pastor Linus calls to me, and says, "Take the cross, and place it at the head. Tell them what it means." And so I give witness to the cross of Jesus Christ, explaining the sacrifice of our Lord for all peoples on the earth, the victory over death and sin and the grave, and the witness of the Church here in this place. And then, as instructed, I plunge it deep into the red Kenyan soil in front of me.

I am asked to pray, and the swirl of the novelty and alienness of this experience grab me. The mourning widow . . .. my American students . . . the pandemic of AIDS in Kenya . . . the deprivation and poverty of Misiri slum . . . the cross of Jesus Christ . .. . the mission of Wayland . . .

God is here, and has always been here. Christ's love for these people, and for all peoples, encircles us all, and we thank the LORD for the community of faith--even in the slums of Kenya. By his stripes we are healed.

Rick

Update July 8, 2008

2008-07-08T19:20:00.001-07:00

Hello folks,

Have you done your research yet? The next two women of the Bible we will study are two wives of David: Michal (daughter of Saul) and Bathsheba (widow of Uriah). Here are the pertinent passages: 1 Samuel 18-19; 2 Samuel 3:12-16 and 6:12-23 for Michal; and 2 Samuel 11-12; 2 Kings 1-2 for Bathsheba.

Thanks to those of you who took a prayer card Sunday. The Kenya team will appreciate your prayers. Wayland students who are already on the field are Kelsey Beggs, Micah Evans, and Jessica Young. Dr. Rick Shaw is with them. The three of us leaving July 16 are Ashley Hardage, Cathy and David Howle.

Enjoy the cloudy days!
See you Sunday,
david

Update July 7, 2008

2008-07-07T19:11:00.001-07:00

From: Richard Shaw
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 1:14 PM

Our trip from Plainview, Texas, to Limuru, Kenya, has been quite uneventful, except for the loss of one of my suitcases in London. I trust it will show up here at KBTC shortly; it holds Greek textbooks and my clothes!

Our first day here in Kenya was learning and ministering at the Imani Shade Ministry, located in the Misiri ghetto ("Misiri" is the Kiswahili word for "Egypt.") The Imani Shade Ministry serves the clients of the Misiri ghetto who are HIV+. The ramshackle, turquoise corrugated tin and 2x4 building, which normally houses the robust and sprawling congregation of Imani (Faith) Baptist Church, on Mondays houses the Shade Ministry. This afternoon, we saw ten persons, nine women and one man, each of which is HIV+.

While Micah Evans worked alongside Kenyan minister Kevin distributing food staples and arranging transport to local clinics and hospitals distributing ARVs (anti-retroviral medications), and Kelsey Beggs and Jessica Young counseled persons alongside Kenyan minister Humphrey, I had the privilege of learning counseling from Dr. Rosemary. Dr. Rosemary is a professional counselor serving the HIV community in this area. Trained in federal HIV/AIDS programs, this older Kenyan woman gently and warmly greets each person, she offers a handshake, a hug, and a smile.

These ten persons, ranging in age from 20 to 70, often smile back. "Our goal should be renamed 'Smile Again,'" Dr. Rosemary tells me, claiming that the real goal of the UN-backed, faith-based, program, is "to reduce the number of Kenyan orphans." Dr. Rosemary's intent is to see each of her clients smile again, realizing that being tested positive for HIV is not a death sentence. One woman has lives 14 years on ARV meds, and looks robust and healthy.

"We want to give these people hope," Pastor Linus Kirimi informs me, "and we do that through the hope of Christ."

I realize that what this bush church is doing is missions--the Gospel--in a nutshell. As I listen to Dr. Rosemary counsel these nine women and one man, I realize that the Gospel on to which we cling so tightly, and the story we proclaim so boldly, is the same message and the same power that these ten HIV+ live on.

"I am no longer bitter," one of the women tells me. "When I first arrived here, I knew I had been infected by my husband, who had never told me he had HIV." "I wanted to commit suicide." "But I found the first hope in my life in this program--the hope I live by--the hope of Jesus Christ."

The church provides counseling; it is unashamedly and unabashedly evangelistic. "This is the Gospel," Dr. Rosemary asserts, "because it is about saving people's lives."

After the centre closes for the day, I meander through the bush church's compound, realizing that the Kingdom of God is broad and wide and deep. Stirred by the rich faith of these financially poor Kenyan Baptists, I look in the distance at the grand Mount Kilimanjaro, and am profoundly and deeply grateful that I have the privilege of serving in this place, at this time. I come here so full of life and joy, ready to share, and I realize that I am the one who needs the fresh touch of God. As I listen to Dr. Rosemary proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a woman who is hopeless and full of despair, I realize that this church is the instrument of God among a hurting people, ravaged by the pandemic of AIDS. Realizing that the Gospel of Christ is about health and well-being in this life, as well as abundant life in the next, Imani Baptist Church is a model of what church should be.

Oh, my friends, we have so much to learn about the love of Jesus Christ. I saw His face today, as I watched an old Kenyan woman proclaim His love to people once without hope.

Update July 6, 2008

2008-07-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

Adam Howle's parents-n-law live in a part of california affected by forest fires.

Youth going to camp and sponsers

Praise - safe 4th of July

Louis Short has an infection in her leg and her doctor is out of town until thursday. She is reluctant to go to the Doctor for fear of being hospitalized. Her Husband has cancer and she is the sole care taker.

Pray for all who are are going to Kenya and that it will be a fruitful trip.

Let us all pray for each other to grow in Christ.

Update July 3, 2008

2008-07-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hello class,

Did you miss us? I haven't even talked with Tom yet to see how it went. I hope that your discussion was fruitful.

For this coming Sunday, let's look at the women characters in the book of Ruth: Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth (of course). I know that this class has studied the book of Ruth before, but we have new members since then. The book is only four chapters long and is entertaining. See if you can apply the questions we have been asking to these three women. We will talk about it on Sunday.

Cathy and I leave for Kenya on July 16. Rick will leave this weekend. Please pray for the work we will be doing there alongside Plainview students.

See you Sunday!
david

New Update July 1, 2008

2008-07-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

Tony Jones passed away last night. Pray for his family.