PRAYER

Prayers and Praises!

Please continue prayers for Karen.  She remains in Cobb Behavioral Health.  She deeply wants to be released but the staff feels she is not ready.  Pray for peace in her heart and clarity in her mind.
Also pray for Karen's Uncle Howard.  He is in failing health and needs God's presence and comfort.

I received a call at the end of todays service to say that my cousin Theresa has gone to be with the Lord.
Please continue to pray for Richard her husband and our family.
May she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord
Also for Jean Karaty for healing from illness.

for Mallory Bennett - pray for wisdom that has not caught up with her 18 years.

for Tracy Dreshback - for health, healing and strength to cope with addiction.

for Theresa George: Hospice has been called in for Theresa. It is just a matter of a few days.  Her son Fr. Richard George wishes to thank all the prayer warriors in Georgia for your continued prayers and thoughts.

A close friend of mine, Bobby Camp has stage 3 colo/rectal cancer. He is the husband of Addie Camp a long time Realtor and ex-partner of mine. Many of you know her and Bobby. He owned Camp wrecker service. Addie has asked that we add Bobby to our prayer list. They are believers and know the power of prayer.

Also pray for Jeanie Bailey who used to work at New Cov. as a nursery worker. She is in ICU in Newnan.

Prayers are Powerful and our God is merciful!

Mike

Please pray for Jon's wife Shelly's mom, Linda Bills, she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A surgery date will be set ASAP following needed testing.

His nephew Jessie Acree's liver is failing and consultation with a transplant team is being done in prep for a transplant as soon as possible. 

Pray for God to move in both of these needs.

David Barrett requests prayer for his court appearance this morning from his traffic accident months ago.  This will be the final resolution of this case and may God's will be done.

Continuing thanks to God for the steady work I am continually blessed with.

Hurricane Katrina, August 29th, 2005

request from Ginger Allday: Of course, I always\'s ask for prayer\'s for my family...But today is different...Today, I pray for the people from all walks of life, from all part\'s of the globe, I pray for Douglasville, GA and for so many who worked tirelessly on our home in Pascagoula, Ms....I ask Jesus to bless each and every one of them...Today, being the 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I thought what a better day to give Thanks to our Lord, Jesus Christ for so many unselfish acts of kindness and dedication....Five years ago, I thought like most around the Gulf Coast, in dispair, where would we live, how could we overcome, how would we survive...I look back with my grandchildren playing in their OWN room\'s...All of you made that possible, through Jesus...I wish I could name them all individually, but there were too many, from EVERYWHERE, who made our life what it is today..One person comes to mind, the first I met, Debbie Hatcher...To all of you, our family will be forever grateful. God is Good.....Ginger L Allday, Pascagoula, Ms.

I just spoke with Doshie Ricardson and she reports that Clayton will likely be released tomorrow after Physical Therapy.  Clayton said last night that he had already been up and walked down the hall of the hospital!  Praise the Lord for His grace.

for Tony Bryant: Tony saw the doctor today, but there is really no change in his condition.  He is still unable to keep anything in his stomach, but fortunately he is in no pain.  When his stomach problems get better, he will take a chemo pill, but with no guarantee it will help.

Continue to pray for us, and our prayer for a healing miracle.
Sandra

I just got back from the hospital and Clayton is doing well. He will start rehab walking this afternoon and may come home tomorrow.

Clayton came through his surgery well.  Although he was delayed in starting his procedure by several hours, once it started it went well.  He has received a knee replacement and the growth has been removed from the back of his knee.  Praise the Lord!  Keep praying!

My son Wesley was injured trying to subdue a PCP crazed teenager. The kid went ballistic on Wes in the ER and bit and scratched him up pretty bad. Wes also injured his back in the ordeal trying to subdue the kid. It eventually took more than a ½ dozen people to get him under control.  Wes is OK considering the circumstances, simply concerned about blood born diseases and his back pain.   Please keep him in your prayers that all will turn out alright and also give God thanks for His protection of Wesley. At one point Wes said the kid had his hand on Wes’s gun.  Also pray for the kid – he is God’s child that someone got hooked on drugs.
Thanks, Rev. Michael

Karen is home, praise the Lord!  Please continue prayers for mental clarity and gracious emotional balance and peace from God.

I just spoke to Doshie and she said Clayton is still waiting to go back for surgery. A complication had arisen in an earlier surgery that has thrown the surgeons schedule off. She said it would be a little while longer and they would come and get him. She will call me when he is out of surgery.

Keep them both in your prayers.

Clayton Richardson is having his knee surgery this morning.  Pray for God's hand to guide the medical staff, and that he has a gracious and gentle recovey.  Also pray for the family finances as he will be without income for two months

Please pray for Karen.  She is likely to be released from the hospital today.  Her mental state is only marginally improved.  Pray for God's healing.  The psychiatrist said yesterday he has done all that psychiatric treatment can do.

Pray for Gail Day, for health, healing and peace.  She will have a heart procedure on Wed. Aug. 25th.

for Tony Bryant: I wish I had good news to report, but things have only gotten worse.  We came home from the hospital on Thursday, but Tony still has not regained the use of his legs.  The cancer in the spinal fluid did nerve damage, and only time will tell if he will get any feeling back in his legs after radiation.  He continues to eat very little, and has severe nausea.  Our son's are taking turns staying with us at night so that I will have help if needed.  We are still counting on all our friends and family to continue to pray for us and the healing miracle we need.
I will let you know as things change, and may God bless each of you with good health.
                                                               Sandra

Bobby Gee's father is very ill and is not expected to last much longer.  Please pray for Bobby and Marie.

Mike Lewis had a great visit today with Tony Bryant.  He was able to have an extended conversation with Mike.  Please continue your prayers for Tony, Sandra and the family as his condition remains very poor.

Please pray for Beth Lindsey, wife of my friend and co-worker Keith. She has MS, the form that goes into remission but then recurs.  She is in the active stage right now and needs God's healing touch.

Chris Standridge

for Chuck Standridge:
All went well today, praise God!    They didn’t find anything, the dr. still took a few biopsies just to be on the safe side.   The dr. thinks that he may have had some sort of bug or virus that wasn’t picked up in the tests they ran a few weeks ago. 

So, if he continues to lose weight, we’ll have to go another route with the dr. but for now we know it’s nothing related to his intestinal tract, which is a good thing.

Thank you for your prayers!  See you all on Sunday!

Just spoke to Kenny Campbell – Molly’s surgery went well and he is waiting for her to get up to her room. She may be able to return home tomorrow. Kenny went up to visit Tony Bryant while he waited and said Tony was in good spirits and doing some walking.   Keep them both in your prayers today.

Please add Chuck to the prayer list.   He’s been having some health issues and has lost nearly 30 lbs. since May.   He is going in for some testing on Friday.

An unspoken request and also for Cindy and Kenny Teal as she suffers from severe illness.

for Jill Peterson’s mother – she is in hospice.  Pray for her and the family.

Tony Bryant has responded to steroid treatment on his back and has regained movement in his legs.  Please continue prayers for continued relief from the pain and for a powerful move of God in his life.

I just spoke with Sandra Bryant, Tony is at St. Joseph hospital for some radiation treatments. He cannot walk because of tumors on his spinal cord. It will take a major miracle for Tony and I know we are praying for that. Sandra asked me to tell you to keep it up.
Blessings, Rev. Michael

My Mom is back home and doing much better. She thanks you for the cards sent to her and most of all your prayers.
My estranged brother Mark resurfaced. He was suffering chest pain for some time and went to the emergency room. It was not his heart. However, his lungs are full of nodules that aren’t suppose to be there. He has another appointment Monday to get the results and consult on further prognosis and treatment.  After 35 years of smoking, He has already decided it is Lung Cancer.
Mark has had a tough go at life and struggles with addiction and alcohol abuse. Please pray for Mark’s soul first and foremost, and for his health.  Pray that God will provide a great and wonderful healing miracle in his life that will have a profound and positive impact on him, so much so that he makes a complete 180 degree turn in his destructive lifestyle.  He has two young daughters and a 20 year old son. His wife Julie was killed in a car accident three years ago.
Thank you for your prayers, Rev. Michael

for Tony Bryant - Tony was taken to St Joseph's today for treatment of an issue with his spine.  Please pray for. Tony and Sandra and the family.

Please pray for Mattie Cox and her parents, Sean & Allie Cox.   Mattie is just 7 years old and was diagnosed with leukemia earlier today and will begin chemotherapy tomorrow provided the doctors at Scottish Rite can get her red blood cell count up high enough to do the surgery to install the port.   In addition to worrying about her health, Mattie’s parents are also worried about how they will pay for the cost of her care as they do not have health insurance and they are weighed down with guilt for waiting so long to take her to the doctor.   Please pray for God’s comforting and healing hand over this family.  They know He is in the miracle business and they are asking for one now.

Mattie is the granddaughter of Emmaus sister, Toni Cox.   Thank you.

Update on Mitch Van Meter - Cathy reports that after Mitch's last return to work, he is now pursuing  extended medical leave. The relief from the fatigue of daily work can go a long way in reducing stress. Continue prayers for Mitch and Cathy.

Karen was released from Willowbrook Monday evening.  She was not ready for release.  Her mind is not at all well and she and I need fervent prayer now.  We need Jesus' touch in a powerful way.

for Fred Alverson – for recovery from back surgery; for Skip Phillips who has a disease requiring joint replacements.

for Ronald Parson & Tracy Parson: Both are brothers of a friend of mine and are going thru cancer treatment – please lift them up in prayer.  Thanks..Arubra

There will be a memorial service for Mrs. Grace Lewis this Saturday morning at 10 AM at New Covenant UMC.  We will celebrate her life and her home-going.  Opportunities will be given for all who wish to speak to share your memories of Mrs. Grace.

Afterwards, Robert and Marie have invited friends and family to their home for a reception and refreshents.

The actual funeral and internment will be held later in Nebraska.

My Mother is back in the Hospital. She either had another stroke or seizure. Continue you healing prayers for her.

Grace Lewis, Marie Buice's mother and Robert's mother-in-law passed away today after a brief time of hospice care.  Please be in prayer for Robert and Marie and the family.  As arrangements are known they will be shared.

I just received the following from Cathy Van Meter: "Mitchell has had some more episodes and we have an appointment today with a neurologist near Piedmont who has more of a specialty with seizures. Please pray for wisdom for the doctor and for peace for Mitchell".

Samantha Ray has been having problems with severe nose bleeds.  They recur frequently.  She was cauterized Friday, but now the problem has returned and is affecting both nostrils.  Surgery will be done tomorrow to seek a long term solution.

Neighbor, David Hutchins, has stage four cancer and prayers are needed now.  Chemo may be tried but the prognosis is difficult.  Pray for his wife Carol and their two boys as well.

from :

Cecil Lawrence, long time member at New Covenant, was found dead in his apartment yesterday of an apparant heart attack.

Arrangements are pending but at this time it appears the body will be cremated and a memorial service is anticipated for Friday.

More information will be shared as it is known.

Please pray for Brandon Clark.  He was in a Jeep accident, thrown from the vehicle and is on life support at Grady.  Pray for God's miracle in his life and the life of his family.

Thank you all for your prayers. We have never felt such comfort and peace. Jack is out of surgery and doing good. He will remain in ICU today and may be able to go home tomorrow. God is still in the miracle business.

Blessings, Jack & Dee

Robert and Marie Buice:

We ask that everyone please pray for the well being of my mother, Grace Lewis.  She had a bad stroke two weeks ago.  Her doctor sent her home.  She is unable to talk legibly and is bed ridden. Hospice is attending to her regularly. Her throat is 95% paralyzed and it is extremely hard for her to drink water even when dropped from a straw. She cannot see in one eye and is able to only see less than 2% in the other and unable to talk except in a very low tone. She chose some time ago to not be put on any type artificial feeding. Her prognosis is less than 2 weeks.  She wants to pass on to be with God and Chris and Jim, her husband.  This is the reason we have not left her in 3 weeks and have not been in church.
Thanks to you and everyone at New Covenant for your prayers. God Bless.

Marie Buice 

for Karen Shepard-Hamilton – Pray that God’s peace will rule in her heart.

A praise and a prayer - Praise God for Karen's relief from back pain.  It is much better by the grace of God.  Also please pray as Karen has had some severe issues arise from medication for her ongoing illness, both physical and emotional.  We really need God's touch.

Clayton came through the exams with the cardiologist with flying colors and is good to go for knee surgery in August.  Praise the Lord!

Our brother Clayton Richardson will be having multiple medical appointments this morning related to getting clearance from his heart doctor for his knee surgery.  After his previous visit to the cardiologist, these appointments were scheduled because the doctor found some things that must be resolved before knee surgery can proceed.
Pray for Clayron today and for healing in every way.

for Jack Boreing: Jack's heart cath went well in that he does not have a blockage, he does however have an Aortic Aneurysm. Jack will have a CAT scan tomorrow so the doctors can decide on a plan of treatment. Dee said they are looking like open heart surgery. Lets lift Jack and Dee up in prayer.
Dee sends her thanks for the ongoing prayers.

for her mother, Kathryn White:
Thanks you for your prayers! My mom's surgery went well this morning and they are hoping for a 90% recovery. Praise God!

My mom’s Drs are puzzled as to what is going on with her.  She is having an MRI this evening to look for neuro and vascular damage. She had another stroke that has affected her left side at this time.  Her short term memory  has been affected and she has become disoriented. She did recognize Wesley and Ryan today and was glad to see them.  Continue to keep her in your prayers.

Jerri Alverson is requesting prayer for her husband Fred. He has back surgery scheduled on Thursday July 22 at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

My sister just called and said that she had to take my mother to the hospital this afternoon. She became very disoriented and her right side went numb. They have done a lot of tests and scans and are puzzled. She is in Neuro ICU at University Hospital in Augusta. Ryan and I are going down in the morning.  Pray for mom’s recovery and our safety on the trip down and back. 

Please continue to lift us up, Jack is scheduled for a heart cath on Wed. If all goes well we hope to be in GA sometime next week for a few days.

Clayton had his stress test this morning, required before his knee surgery can happen.  The Doctor reported some heart abnormalities that will require further review before the knee can be addressed.  Please pray.

for Dumah Adams – Please pray that he gets into a better home soon.  He is elderly, alienated and alone.

From for the people and the situation in the Gulf – pray that the cap holds and that there are no further leaks anywhere.  Also for President Obama and our country’s leaders.  Pray that they all follow God’s will for our nation.  Also for Beth, Shawn and their children, Ann and Leslie – Pray for guidance and wisdom for Beth and Shawn to do the right thing for all.  For the children please pray for protection, peace, wisdom, strength and renewed hope.

for Tony Bryant – He had a seizure this week caused by two small tumors on his brain lining and has started radiation treatments.  Pray for God’s healing.

Jack has been having all his regular heart tests this week and they have called to have us come in Monday to discuss some irregularities they found. Please lift us up Monday. We are walking in peace for we know who is in control.

My mother has had a mild stroke and will be having surgery to remove plaque buildup in her left carotid artery Friday July 16 at noon in Augusta, Ga. Please pray for the surgeon and for a complete recovery.  Blessings, Rev. Michael

Could you please put William Carbury and his family on the prayer list.  He's a friend of mine and works at college in London, UK where I study abroad.  His sister has, had a drinking problem for a while now.  Here is what he wrote:

My family is in turmoil my big sister Christine has fallen down over 30 concrete stairs.  She was drunk yet again but this time things are really bad her brain is bleeeding badly and she has brain damage as well. 

Tony Bryant is at the hospital this morning about to undergo a Gamma Knife procedure on two spots on the brain.  He has been in profound distress of late in his chemo and this additional issue calls for immediate prayer for Tony and Sandra and the family.
Please pray now.

for Mitch Van Meter: Mitch is in special need for prayer this morning. I understand he had a seizure on the way to work this morning, became disoriented and lost. Cathy located him and he is at home now resting. Please pray for healing and strength and comfort for Cathy.

I am awaiting the results of a stress test and if all is well will be released this afternoon.

I am writing this from room 346 at Wellstar Douglas.  I expect to be here overnight for observation and a possible stress test in the morning.  I awoke this morning with pressure in my chest and a pain in the back of my neck.  After a visit to the fire station (thanks Phil!) Karen brought me here.  It appears totally related to inadequate blood pressure meds.  They will monitor things through the night and if tests continue to show no major problems, I will be home tomorrow.
God willing I will see all the faithful friends of the choir at 6:30 tomorrow evening.
Thanks for your prayers and praise the Lord for competent medical professionals.

Phil will get to go home today, Monday, and we appreciate all of your prayers, calls, concern and love.  He has a patch on so “no smoking” and we’ve told him he has to take it slow for a while.  He has a big smile on his face when I tell him who all has called, prayed or sent a card.  Thanks again for all your love.  Sincerely, The Hembree Family

at this posting Phil is on his way home.

for Jannie’s sister, Ann Smith – Ann has alzheimer’s and has problems dealing with many daily issues; for Noble’s sisters.  Betty has medical problems and may face surgery.  Alline is still dealing with issues of cancer.

Phil is doing well this AM. Blood levels are low but they are working on it. As soon as a room is available he will be moved from ICU to a private room..  He is in good spirits and is eating well.  Another stent may be needed for an additional blocked artery.
Please continue your prayers..

Tony had a chemo treatment on Monday, but his doctor has changed his treatment plan.
Tony will now have a treatment once week instead of a five-day one week treatment.
The aggressive 5-day was was too hard on his body, and was draining him too much. The severe weakness and nausea was making it hard for him to function.  Hopefully this new plan will work better for him.
On a brighter note, my sister Joyce had a PET scan this week, and the results were what we have hoped and prayed for NO CANCER found.  She will take two more treatments, but is now considered in remission. 
Please continue to pray for Tony and the God given miracle we're expecting for him, and praise God for the healing of Joyce.
Thanks again for all the prayers.

Phil Hembree, our wonderful brother, cousin, uncle, nephew, had a heart attack last nite around 7:30 (Wednesday, 7-7)…his girlfriend, Debbie,  was with him and got him to the Fire Dept. in time and they did an EKG and then rushed him to Cobb General Hospital.  Time was an important factor and all was taken care of within the 90 minute time frame which is important when having a heart attack.  He rested well last night. 
They took the catheter out of Phil this morning (7-8) and he has to remain still for the next 4 hours – He will be in ICU for the next 24 hours.  Thank you so much for your prayers and please continue to lift him up.  The doctor suggests no visitors until he is out of ICU.  He needs to remain still and calm so the artery will not start bleeding.  He had 99% blockage but a stent was placed in that area and checking other arteries out now for flow.  The doctors will determine what meds will be needed.  Thank you again and the family appreciates all of your love and support.  Call me if you need any additional information, 404-934-3208.  Thanks - The Hembree’s  

After Phil's heart catheterization the doctor's inserted a stint in an artery that was 90%+ blocked.  The procedure was successful and he is expected to recover after a few days in Cobb hospital.  Praise the Lord for successful treatment.
The doctors said that his prompt action of going to the fire station and the quick transport to the hospital meant the difference between successful recovery and a less favorable outcome.

Continue your prayers for Phil and the family.

The latest report on Phil Hembree:

Mike Shearon was at Cobb visiting his mom, Ann, when Phil was brought in.  He prayed with him prior to Phil going back for a heart catheterization.  He reports that it appears that the prompt action by Phil of going to the fire station and the prompt transport to the hospital has mitigated any major damage.
Please pray for Phil's continued recovey.  More news will be posted as it is received.

Phil Hembree had some physical distress this evening and went to a fire station. EMT's ran an EKG and determined he has had a heart attack.  As of this writing, he is being transported to Wellstar Cobb.
Pray for God's hand and immediate healing for Phil.  Also please pray for the entire Hembree family.

Ann Shearon had her heart procedure today and all went very well.  One stint was inserted and no other treatment was needed.  She is doing well and can receive calls today after 6 at Wellstar Cobb, room 204.

for Clayton Richardson – Clayton will have knee replacement surgery on Aug 23rd at Cobb Hospital.  He will have no income during four weeks of recovery.

for Ricky Teal – Ricky (age 21) continues to be in need of a kidney transplant.  Both of his kidneys are failing.  Pray for God to move in this need.

for Christi Sprankle – for peace, safety and guidance as Christi and a group of ladies from her church are going soon to the Ukraine on a mission team.

Wavelyn Smith came home from the hospital Tuesday AM and is doing well.  Praise the Lord!

Bonnie's Mother, Kathryn White, will be having heart catheterization on Thursday.  Pray for God to give her His healing.

This morning Wavelyn Smith is having his second operation to clear his arteries.  Pray for God's hand to guide and for his healing to be done.

for Bob and Shirley Schaefer: Pray for Bob’s complete healing from his colon surgery and that no trace of cancer is found in the biopsy.  Pray for Shirley to be relieved from her vertigo.

for Chris Edwards: He is having tests done for leukemia on Monday.  Pray he is found to be in perfect health.

for Robert H. King – Pray for Robert; he has diabetes and the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Bob is doing very well.  He has required no pain meds, the cath has been removed and he is in good spirits.  Praise the Lord.  Keep praying!

Bob came through his surgery well this morning.  They removed a portion of the colon and some lymph nodes (for biopsy) and he is doing well.  He will be at the Wellstar Douglas Hospital for several more days.  Please continue your prayers.

Jerri Alverson is having eye surgery and has requested prayer.

for Bob and Shirley Schaefer:  Wednesday Shirley is seeing the doctor for ongoing vertigo.  Thursday at 6:30 AM Bob is having surgery at Wellstar Douglas on his colon.  Please remember them in your prayers.

for Jannie’s sister, Ann Smith and her caregiver – for health safety, peace and guidance for them.  Ann has alzheimers; for Margaret Smith for healing from a severely cracked 1st lumbar vertebra; for our daughters, their husbands and families – for safety, peace and guidance for each of them, and for financial security for those in need; for Allene Taromina for her health and healing from blood cancer, her immune system is very weak.

From for the doctors to find the cause of her recurring vertigo on Wednesday; for June Thigpen – she has been diagnosed with cancer and given one year to live; for Tony Bryant and Sandra’s sister Joyce; both have cancer.

for Tracy Lockwood that he might reenter the workforce without pain in his back and legs; for Danny Lockwood for healing from 3rd degree burns over 80% of his body, suffered in a lawn mower accident.

For Bob and Shirley Schaefer - Bob's biopsy came back reporting malignancy.  He went to the surgeon today and will have surgery on Thursday to have a portion of his colon removed.  Please remember Bob and Shirley in your prayers.

For the Dowdry family:
They lost a son yesterday. He had been to Six Flags over the weekend and suffered some kind of internal injury and died on the operating table of a heart attack. He was 19. His father works with Pat Addy.

We are ever so grateful for the wonderful doctors and nurses who treated Emily and took care of her at Scottish Rite. She was a favorite among many of the nurses and they were sad to see her go today!
I also have to brag on my little boy and Emily's BIG brother. I was worried about how he would react to Emily's homecoming since he has not met her yet (he was not old enough to visit the NICU) and we have been talking about Emily and "the baby" for quite some time, yet he has never seen her. But, he exceeded all of my expectations and was so sweet to her...he smothered her with kisses and just loved her. I am sure we will have our moments in the days and weeks ahead, but I couldn't have dreamed of a better reaction from him and it just melted my heart to finally see them together :)!
Again, I just can't thank all of you enough for your continued thoughts, prayers, and support. They have sustained us through a very difficult time, and we have seen the prayers answered in Emily. We feel that the journey is really just starting for us now and so appreciate your continued prayers for our family. I especially have a lot to learn about the unfolding mystery of life, and something tells me that I will learn a lot from Miss Em.
Enjoy the pictures and thanks again for EVERYTHING! God is good!!!
Love,
Meredith"

Please lift up a prayer for my sister Teana (pronounced Tina) as she will be going to court at 11am today (Wednesday) for her divorce hearing. I ask for comfort, strength and peace for her and God's wisdom and mercy thru the Judge.

Also, for a friend of Brandy & Jennifer's that was transported to the Florida burn unit this past weekend. I don't remember his last name but his first name is Danny.

for Tony Bryant:
Sandra asks for prayers for Tony. He had a little bit of good news, but some more news that was not so good. (see message below from Sandra) = = =

We got the results of his PET scan and brain MRI yesterday. We didn't get the good news we had hoped for, but there were some things to be thankful for. The spot on his brain was gone, and the tumors that had shrank before had not grown any. However, he has developed two more tumors, and several malignant lymph nodes that weren't there last time. His doctor is changing to another type of chemo in hopes of controlling and killing the cancer cells. Starting next week, he will begin a 5-day treatment every three weeks for the next nine weeks. He is feeling more tired and weaker than before, but is still optimistic. Please continue to lift him up in prayer for healing, and for the miracle that we know he can and will receive from God. Also, continue to pray for my sister Joyce, who is also battling this devil disease too. She, like Tony, needs a healing miracle. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Sandra

Please be in prayer for Ann Shearon today (Tuesday) as she undergoes a heart catheterization and a possible stint.
Pray for God's hands to guide the medical staff and for a clean bill of health for Ann.

received from Rev. Michael re Wavelyn's surgery:
He spoke with Ovis and she said Wavelyn came through the surgery well.  His blood pressure is good.  And with continued good reports will be released Tuesday afternoon.
Please continue your prayers.

for the safety of our troops; guidance for our nation;
for God’s hand to work in stopping the oil leak and for the families impacted.

for Ann Shearon for good health and quick recovery from Tuesday’s catheterization;
for Karen Shepard-Hamilton for quick and full recovery from her back pain;
for Deren Musgrove and his family. He was severely injured in an auto accident and is in a drug induced coma due to his injuries to his face.

I just spoke to Shirley Schaefer, and after Bob Schaefer's endoscopy and colonoscopy yesterday a mass was found in his colon.  A biopsy is being run.  Please pray for Bob and Shirley and for a benign result on the test..

Update on Wavelyn Smith: He was released yesterday and he is at home. I just spoke with him and he is scheduled to return to the hospital for surgery on Monday.  He will have an arterial blockage removed on one side of his neck.  After a time he will return and they will do the other side. 

He appreciates the prayers.  Please continue to pray.

Wavelyn Smith has had a light stroke and is at Piedmont Hospital.  Please pray now. The latest report indicates he is doing well. He is in Room 447, Ph 404 605 5000

for Karen Shepard-Hamilton:  Karen has a procedure on her back tomorrow morning designed to bring relief to her ongoing back pain.  The current pain is profound.  Please pray that God heal her.

for Tyler Running: Tyler is 15.  Pray for his relationship with his mother.

I have a prayer request from a friend in North Carolina:
Please pray for my friend’s mother, Carolyn Parker, who thought she had a stomach virus for the last week but was rushed to the hospital this morning where they discovered an intestinal blockage.   They are trying a non-invasive procedure first but will need to do surgery if the procedure doesn’t work.

Also, an update on little Emily Brooks Cawthon:
Emily’s surgery was postponed yesterday due to other emergencies that came up in the NICU at Scottish Rite that required the surgeon’s immediate attention.   Emily is doing fine and is being fed intravenously.   She will hopefully be rescheduled for sometime today.    Please continue  to keep her and her parents in prayer.   They are very grateful that this is Emily’s only health concern but I know they are anxious to have it taken care of so they can start planning for the day they take her home.   Please also keep those little babies (and their caregivers) in the NICU in prayer;  they are all such tough little fighters!

Pray for our brother George Hall this morning.  He is having his first epidural at the Pain Management Clinic in an effort to ease the pain in his neck, back and hip.  Please remember our brother prayer warrior this day.

I just received an update on my friend, and co-worker, Meredith Cawthon.    Her baby girl, Emily Brooks, arrived yesterday morning at 2:36 a.m. weighing in at 5 lbs. 8 oz..    She was born with an abdominal blockage (which the doctors were aware of beforehand – and which I forgot to mention in my prayer request) and is scheduled to undergo surgery this morning at Scottish Rite to remove it.   Abdominal blockages are very common in Down Syndrome children so the doctors do not expect any complications from the surgery.   And to show that God watches over His special children in a very special way, the surgeon on call this morning just happens to be the cousin of someone in our HR department, which Meredith found very comforting.

Please continue to keep Meredith and her husband, Will, in prayers in the coming days and months as they travel down the wonderful (and sometimes uncertain) road of raising this special child.

for the family and friends of Gina Alfrod and for all suffering with cancer.  They need peace strength and God’s healing.

Please pray for a friend of mine's daughter, Amanda Smith. She is awaiting biopsy results.They did a scan last Tuesday- a week ago- they found a spot on the chest where she had the mastectomy last year. She is 32 years old with a 4 year old son and a 2 1/2 year old daughter.
This is hard on the family as they just lost their Mother to breast cancer in January of 09.

Our brother Mike Karaty had to make a visit to the ER last evening for chest pain.  He was given nitro and sent home for bed rest.   Please pray for healing.

Jamie's 25 year old nephew, Joseph Crymes, is severely physically challenged.  He has been hospitalized since Sunday with pnuemonia and possible heart problems.  Please pray for his healing.

for Molly Campbell. She has back trouble and needs prayer.

Brandy just let me know that her Grandma, Hazel West has passed and asked to keep Ethyl & the family in your prayers.

We are asking for prayers for our 6-month old nephew, Dylan Standridge.   He’s been at Scottish Rite since Sunday night with severe bronchialitis but is not improving so they moved him to the ICU this morning.     He cannot breathe on his own right now and is on forced oxygen and steroids to help with the lung swelling.

Praise the Lord Karen had a good procedure at the pain Doctor this morning and it seems to e providing some relief.

Please be in prayer for Brandy & Jennifer's Great Grandmother:  Hazel West
She has congestive heart failure and is not expected to survive the rest of the week and is in a lot of pain. Pray to ease her pain and peace/comfort for Ethyl Lybrand and the family.

For George Hall:  He will be seeing the orthopedist this afternoon for further insight into his back and hip pain.  Pray for healing and relief.

For Karen Shepard-Hamilton:  She has an appointment today at 9:15 AM with the pain specialist for an injection into two lumbar disc areas in an effort to provide relief from the ongoing back and leg pain.

Sandra Ivey reports that Ovis Smith has been hospitalzed at Piedmont Hospital with heart trouble.  Wavelyn is very concerned and is requesting immediate prayer.

In memory of Bobby Ray "Poppy" Maxwell

Date: December 20th, 1934 - May 1st, 2010

Obituary:
Mr. Bobby Ray “Poppy” Maxwell, age 75, of Villa Rica, Georgia passed away Saturday, May 1, 2010. He was born December 20, 1934 in Muscadine, Alabama the son of the late Mr. Robert Edmond Maxwell and the late Mrs. Lilla Maye Baughns Maxwell. He was of the Baptist Faith and retired as a truck driver working for Universal Furniture. He was a loving husband of 52 years and was devoted to his wife, children, and granddaughters. He had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed gardening and yard work and tending his bird feeders. He also loved his former lake where he enjoyed raising and hand feeding his fish. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Emma Grace. He is survived by his wife, Dixie Hackett Maxwell of Villa Rica; three daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie and Paul Kehlringer of Chicago, IL, Donna and Greg Carter of Winston, and Connie and Scott Lashley of Villa Rica; sons and daughter-in-law, Robert E. Maxwell of Atlanta and Ronnie and Jennifer Maxwell of Villa Rica; 6 granddaughters, Amy, Brookelyn, Jessica, Dana, Addison, and Sadie Rae; brothers, Robert Clyde Maxwell, Benjamin Franklin Maxwell both of Smyrna, and Gerald Maxwell of Woodstock; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be conducted Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 2:00 PM from the Chapel of Jones-Wynn Funeral Home in Villa Rica with Rev. Keith Windmilller and Rev. Michael Martin officiating. In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Maxwell will be cremated following the service. The family will receive friends at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home of Villa Rica, Tuesday, May 4, 2010 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Altus Hospice, 151 N. Bay View Drive, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180 or the American Stroke Association, National Center 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas TX 75231. Messages of condolence to the family may be sent from www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home of Villa Rica in charge of arrangements. 770-459-3694

Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Altus Hospice, 151 N. Bay View Drive, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180 or the American Stroke Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas TX 75231

pray for Stan Cypher my uncle in Pennsylvania.  He has severe back pain and surgery did not help.

Pray for our children and grandchildren.  As the school year ends and tests are here, pray that God will less them and help them do their best.

Pray for our nation, that we might come back to God and the faith of our founders.

Dixie’s husband Bobby passed away this afternoon. Funeral plans to follow.
Please keep the family in prayer.

Please be in prayer for a close friend of mine of many years: Nancy Plowman and her family (husband & 4 sons) lost their home to a fire Wednesday morning. I don't have many details, just that all are OK, praise the Lord, but the house is a total loss.

Dixie Maxwell's husband Bobby, after suffering a severe stroke, has been transferred to Atlanta Medical Center.  He is unresponsive and hospice has been called.
Please pray for Bobby, Dixie and the family in this difficult time.

A good friend of mine was taken to Cobb Hospital yesterday, he was disoriented and dizzy, they are running tests today.  His name is Hal Murphy   Thanks, Kenny

Good news for us today.  Tony got the results of the CT scan from last week, and the tumor on his lung has decreased by two-thirds.  All of the other tumors also have decreased in size.  He will do three more rounds of chemo, one 3-day treatment every three weeks, and then he will have a PET scan.  I am claiming that through the grace of God all the tumors will be GONE.
Please continue to lift him up in prayer, because I know that the good report we got today is a result of the prayers everyone has sent up for him.  Please know that Tony and I both appreciate each and every person praying for him and for me too.
Please continue to also pray for my sister, Joyce, who is battling cancer, and like Tony, needs a miracle of healing.
Thanks again.

My brother Sheridan was called home to be with the Lord yesterday. Please pray for God's peace and comfort for his family. Sheridan fervently loved the Lord and we are comforted in the assurance his soul is with the Lord.

for the Martini family – Pray for steady work and for Ariana’s tonsil surgery on Friday.

Please pass along prayer request for my aunt Clara Freeman.  She was admitted to ICU today at Rockdale Med. Ctr, Conyers, Ga.  Her kidneys are shutting down and they are have to place her on dialysis, also she has congestive heart failure with two leaking valves.  Although she is 80 it is very hard on the family.  She is the last of that generation...only us 1st cousins and 2nd cousins remain.   She is special.  Thanks,
Mike and Martha Lewis

I saw Carol Moore yesterday.  Carol and Jim’s son Andy and their daughter-in-law Carla are going through some rough times.
Andy has severe back problems and Carla has fibromyalgia.  They also have a new baby.  Neither are working right now and are living with Carol and Jim.

Please pray for a co-worker, Rick Schroeder, who made a turn in front of a motorcycle in Palmetto yesterday morning. The young man, Lucas Gangi, was riding the motorcycle and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. I ask that you pray for both families in this terrible tragedy. Rick has just re-located here to our factory about a month ago. I don't know any details about the Gangi family.

(re his sleep apnea procedure last night) My test and titration was a very restless affair last night and they kept me there longer this morning to make some adjustments. Mainly restless leg issues and some mouth breathing issues on my back. The CPAP was OK and I think it will be very helpful.

Please let the prayer team know that my sister Melanie had her colon reconnection surgery this morning, all went well and she ask for prayers for a speedy healing and recovery.

Karen is home, praise the Lord!  She was released today for two weeks of home health care by a physical therapist.  While we still do not know the cause of the hip and knee problems, she is much stringer and can get around carefully on a walker.  Thank you all for your faithful prayer.

Please pray for the Lamb family.  Mary Lamb died suddenly leaving a husband, children and grandchildren grieving for this unexpected loss.

for  Joan Taly – Pray for healing from pancreatic cancer.

for all who are struggling with pain, health problems, and financial difficulties.

Thank you so much for your prayers for Kathy Smith and her daughter Ashley. Unfortunately, Ashley went home to be with the Lord last night around 10pm. Please continue to lift Kathy and the family up at this difficult time.

Received from our brother, Robert Buice:
Sorry, we have not been around lately, as I have been under rather "severe" bronchitis  and coughing myself to death.  I am taking breathing treatments with albuterol sulfate two to three times each day. Plus several drugs that make me dizzy and sleepy. The doctor has again threatened to put me in the hospital as it could turn to pneumonia.  Marie has also had this but not as severe. Please keep me (us) in your prayers.  I know others need your serious prayers more than we do.  Thanks and God Bless!
Robert Buice

Please continue prayer for Tony Bryant for healing from cancer.  Also praise the Lord for the Easter Season.

Please pray for Kathy Smith as she is facing the hard realities of losing her daughter Ashley. I had requested payers for them earlier this week.  Ashley (has CP I think) has been taken off the ventilator and Kathy had to sign a DNR and has not left her side. Kathy is hurting and is away from her home & family so she needs a lot of strength.

For Teana Crunkleton for God's strength, peace & comfort: Teana (it's pronounced Tina) my sister is going thru a bad divorce and the trial begins next week. Also, she has a an adult son, Andrew, that is mentally challenged that is going thru emotional issues and outbursts which is difficult to deal with at times.

Just a brief update on Tony's condition.  For the most part he feels very good.  He has a few days after treatment that he feels tired, but all in all he feels pretty good.  He will have another treatment the 5th of April, and at that time we hope to find out when they will be doing a PET scan to see how effective these treatments have been.  It is our hope and prayers that this will show the cancer gone.  Thanks for all the prayers, and please continue to lift him up in prayer for healing.  He still remains very upbeat and optimistic, and this has made his treatments much easier.

With Love, Sandra

for Ann & Leslie Smith: Pray for peace and safety in dealing with Alzheimers
for Mike Seller: for healing from his drug addiction.

Please pray for Becky Barnett.  She will be having gallbladder surgery on Wednesday.

For Lou Panezich. Please pray for his upcoming surgery.  It is complicated by other health problems.

An update on our baby grand-niece, Aloura Curtis:

The doctors at Scottish Rite ran more detailed testing on her today and rushed the test results.   She does NOT have cystic fibrosis.   Praise the Lord!    She may be a carrier of the gene because her mother is a carrier, but she does not have it herself which means she doesn’t have even a risk of developing it at a later age.

Thank you for your prayers!  God is good…..ALL the time!  

for Ariana Martini for healing from tonsillitis and an ear infection.

For c ontinued prayer for strength and healing for Tony and the entire Bryant family.

for Jean Karaty (Mom) and himself as he travels to be with her in Miami.  Pray for a gracious resolution to all the family issues as well as good health and travel mercies.

for Alan Day (brother) for health and healing. He has pneumonia and his health is very fragile.

Please put my stepfather, Lou Panezich, on the prayer list.    He has been having severe problems with his knee (which has been replaced twice already) for the last 2 months and the doctors feel it may be infected internally and feel quite sure it will need to be replaced a 3rd time.     He is 76 and has a variety of heart and lung problems in addition to early Alzheimer’s so surgery is rather risky but if they don’t do it, the infection to could spread to his other knee and both hips (all of which are artificial as well).    Please keep my mother in prayers also as I concerned for her health while taking care of him.

I was saddened to receive this note from our brother in the Lord, Lamar Beard.  Many of you know him from his speaking to our men's group, working at the parking lot house build, and from this past Saturday working with our team at the Children's Home:

I have some very sad news to report from our home. My youngest son Max Fiandt was shot and killed at his apartment last night where he lived while attending Georgia State. Please pray for our family.

Lamar Beard

Lamar and Gail Beard
1530 Haddenham Dr.
Cumming, GA  30041

Update for baby Aloura Curtis:  Further testing concerning cystic fibrosis won't happen until next Tuesday as they need to go to Scottish Rite for the tests and there are no available appts. until then.     Please keep the parents, Stormy & James, in prayers as well.     This is their first and, very likely their only, child since Stormy had a very difficult pregnancy and they are both very scared, as you can imagine.

Please put our new baby grand-niece, Aloura Curtis, on the prayer list.    She is only 4 weeks old and we just found out that they suspect she may have cystic fibrosis.   She will be going for additional testing tomorrow. 

Please put Cathy Landers Elmore on the prayer list.  She is the daughter of Ed and Pam Landers who go to Bright Star.

Cathy had a baby last week via C-Section and is having major problems with her incision and infection.  She lives in Auburn, Alabama and Ed and Pam spent last week with them but had to return to work in Douglasville this week.

Ed said he would appreciate any and all prayers.

for Mike Karaty: Pray for wisdom and guidance in dealing with family situations while in Miami.

follow up from Joe Hamilton: Mike just called and wanted to say thank you to the church for the thoughtful and blessed card sent. He got it at the perfect time, as the pressures of circumstance had him at a low point. He said to tell everyone he loved them and thanks to his church family for their care and prayer.

In conversation with Rev. Mike, he shared that he and Karen are under the weather in Colorado while visiting their son Ryan.  Pray for their healing and for a safe return home this week.

Tony took his first chemo treatment today, and seems to be feeling OK.  He will get a treatment tomorrow and one on Wednesday.  I know this will be hard on him, but he is in good spirits, and has put his trust in God to help him get through this.  Please continue to lift him up in prayer, and I will try to keep all informed on his progress. 
Sandra

Mitch Van Meter has had chest pain and is at the Wellstar Douglas Hospital right now.  Please pray for Mitch and Cathy.

Praises that Chuck’s dad, Chester, is feeling much better and was actually able to come to our house for dinner on Sunday.     Chuck cooked a feast and his mother said it’s the most his dad has eaten in almost 3 weeks!

Prayer request for my stepfather, Lou Panezich, who was taken to the hospital last night by ambulance.    They thought he had a blood clot in his leg but have now determined he has some sort of severe infection centered in his knee, which has already been replaced twice.    Please pray that the infection clears with treatment and he won’t need another knee replacement.

Funeral arrangements for Bishop Rufus Polk are:

Viewing:  Willie Watkins Funeral Home
Sat. 20th from 4-9
Sun. 21st from 4-9
Service at Ephesus Baptist Monday the 22nd at 11am with
burial to follow in the Ephesus cemetery

(Ginger Allday is our sister in the Lord for whom the house for Mississippi was framed in our parking lot.  Dustin is her son)

Please keep Ginger, Dustin and the kids in your prayers. Dustin was just taken to the hospital with a heart attack. Will keep you posted.

Our friend Lois O'Neal wishes to thank everyone for their prayers for her mom, Florence Bowers.  She came through the surgery well and is in the recovery process.  She is in some pain but in good spirits.  Thanks for ongoing prayers.

Many of you know Bishop Rufus Polk.  He is in intensive care at DGH, and has stage 4 cancer.  They are keeping him comfortable and now Hospice has been called in till the Lord calls him home.  Please be in prayer for the family as they prepare for many tasks ahead.  He is truly a man of God and loved the Lord dearly. The family request no visitors for him right now, but notes and prayers and well wishes are welcome.

from Brenda Day Heath - for Trent Day - Please pray for healing for his health.

from Chris Standridge - for Chuck's dad, Chester Standridge.  He has a severe upper repiratory infection complicated by emphysema & COPD.  Please pray for his healing.

from Ann Eskew - pray for the Golden Girls (Ann S. Ann E. and Shirley S.) as they travel; also pray for Tony Bryant's health; and please pray blessings on our Scouts in their 100 year celebration.

from Jannie Lawler - for Noble Lawler - He had a severe reaction to a sulfa drug causing a 3rd degree burn on his leg; also pray for for Ricky Teal - He is still on the waiting list for a kidney - both of his are almost gone.

After tests Tony Bryant has been diagnosed with cancer and will be beginning chemo on Monday.  Please pray for Tony, Sandra and the Bryant family.

After a long delay Larry's surgery has been completed, and he has now moved to his room.  They removed the prostate.  So praise the Lord for successful surgery.  Please continue the prayers for a full recovey.

You can also follow Larry's progress on Beverly's FaceBook page.

One of the children at the orphanage in Sierra Leone was severely beaten this morning by another boy in the village.  She has profound injuries and prayers are needed now.
Isata lives in the village of Grafton.  It is composed of refugees and former child soldiers and children of child soldiers.  The trauma that many of these children both endured and/or perpetrated is almost unimaginable.
The Christian work done by Joan and Joshua International through the new school, orphanage and clinic are vital to hope for the future of the people of Grafton and Sierra Leone.
You can see a photo of Isata as you pray for her as well the latest news from Joshua International at http://embedit.in/sY8aKVDVMq.swf

My mother and sister just called. My middle sister Melanie Villemain, was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured bowel. She is out of surgery now and in recovery. The surgeon said she was fortunate that they caught it before too much toxins escaped into her abdomen. They repaired the rupture and she will have a ileostomy for 8 weeks. Please pray for her to have a speedy recovery from this and the subsequent surgery to remove the ileostomy.  She will be hospitalized for a week to monitor for infection.

(praise regarding prior request for missing 16 year old Tiffany Anglian):
I just got an email yesterday that Tiffany returned home on Tuesday and the family is requesting prayers for her as she is dealing with some difficult things.    

My heart is telling me I need to get my prayer warriors out today – my nephew, Josh, is under depression and I need to lift him up…Please pray for peace for him, a job and his salvation.  Thanks..Arubra

from Soundbites devotional - a prayer for Haiti:

Many Christians speculate as to why God allowed this earthquake to strike Haiti , even some on TV.  They say, "God is punishing them.  They deserve it."  God says in Job about their speculations, "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?" (Job 38:1)  As the world listens, we must make sure that we have a proper attitude in receiving and representing God's will to the hurting people of Haiti and the world.  What is a proper attitude in approaching God after such a display of His awesome power?   I am mindful of Esther's contrite attitude toward her king, "If it pleases the king and if I have found favor before him and the matter seems proper to the king and I am pleasing in his sight..." (Esther 8:5) And what if our actions towards the people of Haiti , including our brothers and sisters in Christ, would be as Mordecai's, "he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people." (Esther 10:3b)  

May we speak words of peace and seek for the welfare of all in Haiti , beginning with earnest prayer that God will send many shod with the gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ so that a new Haiti will emerge from this catastrophe, born again into God's family. "The scripture says, 'No one who believes in Him will be put to shame.' For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on Him. For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' But how are they to call on One in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in One of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim Him? And how are they to proclaim Him unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'… So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the Word of Christ." (Romans 10:11-17) 

My friend Kenny Owens had a massive brain stem aneurism. The damage is irreversible and he has minimal brain function.  He is currently on life support to keep his organs viable for transplant and the Dr.’s will determine if he is brain dead in the AM. Please keep his wife Teresa, his daughters Stephanie, Star, and Kaycee, in your prayers. It has been a long night already and tomorrow will be rough for them. Ask God to give me the words and compassion and emotional and spiritual strength to be there for them tomorrow and the days ahead.

Rev. Michael

Lois Anderson is the CNA that takes care of John and me three days a week.  She is a wonderful friend and just now is going through every parent's nightmare.  Her 16 year old daughter is missing.  Last seen on Sunday Jan. 17.  Did she run away?  Did she get abducted? Lois doesn't know.  Her name is Tiffany Anglian, blonde hair, blue eyes, 5'1" tall, wt. 125 lbs.  Please pray that Tiffany will either return home or call her Mom.  If anyone reading this has seen or heard something about Tiffany, please call:
Douglas Co. Sheriff Dept--(770) 942-2121
Lois Anderson ---770-634-0357
Bill Anderson -----770-634-2399
Most of all, please pray for Tiffany's safety and Lois to have strength to get through this.

Praise:  This morning another great group of mission servants worked in all the storerooms of the church and did an amazing job of cleaning, organizing, and stocking the various rooms for their appropriate purpose.  Praise the Lord!

from The United Methodist Committee on Relief:

Previous news reports were in error.

United Methodist Relief Executive Dies Before Rescue from Hotel Ruins in Haiti

New York, NY, Jan. 16, 2010 - The Rev. Dr. Sam Dixon, head of the humanitarian relief agency of The United Methodist Church, died before he could be rescued from the rubble of a hotel destroyed by the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12.

The executive officer of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) was part of a group of mission and relief specialists trapped by the collapse of the Hotel Montana. Other persons in the group of five, including two more from the General Board of Global Ministries, were rescued and were back in the US by the morning of January 16. The group was pinned down for more than 55 hours.

Dixon was reportedly alive in the hotel ruins on the morning of January 15. Confirmation of his death before rescue was conveyed to Global Ministries through several sources, including eyewitnesses from a Methodist guest house in Port-au-Prince, where Dixon and his colleagues had been staying. Frequent press reports throughout the day on January 15 asserting his safety were incorrect.

Please be in prayer for Dr. Dixon's family, as well as for the ongoing recovery of the others rescued, and all survivors in Haiti.

It is a blessing and glory to God to be able to report that our three UMC friends at UMCOR and Mission Volunteers for whom you have been praying are alive after spending 55 hours trapped in the rubble of the Hotel Montana in Port-au-prince!  

Still, we recognize that for tens of thousands of other families, the news is not so good.  We know that as God calls us to the broken places of the world, and that we will be working in Haiti for many years.

Kim's father, Doug Johnson, is in the Cobb hospital with severe kidney problems and a staph infection.  Please remember him in your prayers.

Missing mission execs seen entering destroyed Haiti hotel

NEW YORK (UMNS)—Three missing United Methodist mission executives were seen entering the Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince shortly before the Jan. 12 earthquake rocked the capital, destroying the hotel. Even as hopes for their survival dimmed, officials with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries were still holding out hope Jan. 14 that the Rev. Sam Dixon, top executive of the United Methodist Committee on Relief; the Rev. Clinton Rabb, head of Mission Volunteers; and Jim Gulley, an UMCOR consultant, are somehow still alive. Rescue operations at the hotel are continuing.

Please say a special prayer for these men who were serving their Lord in a place of the most profound need, as well as prayers for their families.

Additional information on this is available at the UMC WebSite.

Ongoing request: Continue fervent prayer for the people of Haiti as the magnitude of the disaster becomes clearer.  Pray that those trapped will be saved.  Pray for the safety of survivors and guidance and safety for rescuers from all over the world.  May God's resources be poured out to help the helpless.

A terrible earthquake (7.2) has hit the nation of Haiti.  Many in the New Covenant family have been to Haiti and can confirm the extreme poverty and the poor construction of many of the homes and buildings there.  There is potential for significant injury and loss of life as well as property damage.  A hospital in the Port-au-prince area has been reported to have collapsed.
Please pray for the people of Haiti and for those engaged in the immediate response.

Pete called me last night for a favor and I found out he has an answer with some of his medical issues.  The doctors did several tests and found that his lungs are perforated.  They are going to fix this problem after they get him out of the hospital.   

Ken Barnett also has to undergo some medical procedures in the next couple of weeks on his intestines.  Let everyone know for prayers. 
Thanks, Shane

George Hall, after a visit to his Doctor, was diagnosed as having pneumonia. Medication has been prescribed and is having a positive outcome. He is better, but please pray for complete recovery.

Also, Rev. Michael is still dealing with a severe upper respiratory infection and needs our prayer.

Please pray for Lance Ruberti, the 4-month old son of my co-worker, Mike, and his wife, Catherine.   You may recall that we prayed for the Ruberti family when Lance was born prematurely last fall and was hospitalized for several days with lung problems.     He was admitted to Scottish Rite on New Year’s Day with severe bronchialitis.   His older brother, Cole (2 yrs. Old), is also just getting over pneumonia so please keep him (and their parents!) in prayer as well.
Thank you!