Month: September 2010

Friday Addition

I almost forgot!

Georgia Barnette Week of Prayer for Louisiana Missions

Day 6

Crescent City Rock Mission, Metairie

Jim Louviere, Church Planter

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock…”

Crescent-City-01Pastor Jim Louviere points out that New Orleans, like so much of Louisiana, “has religious culture where many claim to believe in God, but don’t’ know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.”  Their foundation is built on shaky ground rather than on Jesus, the Solid Rock; they are part of the many faces of Louisiana missions.  The mission statement at Crescent City Rock is “We exist to help people find a life that rocks with purpose built on The Rock of Christ.”

This fifteen-month old church plant reaches a neighborhood in Jefferson Parish that has no Southern Baptist church.  Block parties, back-to-school outreach, and Sharing the Peace of Jesus events provided avenues of ministry in preparation for church launch on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, resulting in more than 200 attending worship and 60 decisions for Christ.

As we pray for Crescent City and Pastor Jim, let’s pray for other similar church plants.  Pray for:

  • Leadership teams to clearly know God’s direction in initial works;
  • Effective follow-up from Launch Sunday;
  • New people to hunger for God and grow in their desire to live out their purpose for God; and
  • Balance between the many responsibilities of bivocational church planters like Pastor Jim.

Twenty-six new church starts were begun in Louisiana in 2009.  Our financial gifts to the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering make it possible to begin more each year.

Friday

“Call to Me,

and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know.”

~Jeremiah 33:3~

Continue to pray for Mrs. Judy Liberto as she recovers from surgery.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is home.  Please continue to pray for her and Mr. Phillip.

My cousins, Scott and Micah, are both home.  Please keep the family in your prayers as they continue to realize God’s faithfulness.

Levels of Toleration

Thought for the Day

Written by Alan Smith

Reposted from Websits

Thought For The Day At a computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, “If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.”

In response to Bill’s comments, General Motors issued a press release stating: If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part):

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive – but would run on only five percent of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single “This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation” warning light.

7. The airbag system would ask “Are you sure?” before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

9. Every time a new car was introduced, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.

10. You’d have to press the “Start” button to turn the engine off.

It’s amazing, isn’t it, what we tolerate in some things we use (like Microsoft Windows) that we would never tolerate in other things we use (like our automobiles)? Then again, it shouldn’t be too surprising because I find that there are many things which I tolerate in some people that I would never tolerate in others.

For example, if someone I don’t particularly like passes me on the street and doesn’t wave or say “hi”, I get easily offended and assume that he is just being snobby. If a good friend does the same thing, though, I assume that he must have something on his mind and he was merely distracted. If someone I love dearly accidentally trips and kicks me in the shin, I think nothing of it. If someone else does it, though, I quickly assume they’re clumsy and inconsiderate. It’s true, isn’t it? We tolerate things from people we love that we would never tolerate from people we don’t love.

Could it be that one of the reasons we have so many conflicts in the church is that love is lacking? When love is missing, we are quick to assume the worst, we tolerate nothing and we are quick to find fault. Patience is non-existent. Forgiveness is difficult. Love, however, truly does “cover a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8)

I like the way GOD’S WORD translates this passage from Paul’s writings: “As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Are you having trouble “putting up” with folks around you? May your love for others increase so that your level of toleration may increase as well.

–Alan

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday Addition

From Beth Graham Lee

Just wanted to do a “little shout out” to Day 8 of the Week of Prayer, The Many Faces of Louisiana Missions. On Day 8, the GA camper they speak about is Darian Vining, daughter of Mark and Rachel Vining of FBC, Amite. Also, the camper in the picture do the High Rope is my daughter, Macy Lee.

Thanks!!
Beth Lee

Mrs. Avis Sullivan fell and broke her hip this morning.  She will be having surgery tomorrow morning.  Please continue to pray for “Miss” Avis and her family.

Please pray for Erin Evanoff , daughter of the late Faye Kliesch Evanoff, as she sees a surgeon at 10:00 Pacific Time Zone to discuss the results of her biopsy and her future surgery.

Thursday

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, …

being confident of this very thing,

that He who has begun a good work in you

will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

~Philippians 1:3-6~

Please continue to pray for my Tolleson cousins in Texas.

Trinity Community Mission, Olla

John and Kim Stott, Directors

Matthew 20:26-28

“It must not be like that among you.

On the contrary,

whoever wants to become great among you

must be your servant,

and whoever wants to be first among you

must be your slave;

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served,

but to serve,

and to give His life – a ransom for many.”

Olla-01Trinity Community Mission is a care and hope center whose work is described by just that – givers of care and hope.  Since 2005, Trinity has provided food and clothing, but their greatest joy comes in giving a copy of God’s Word to families who are looking for the basic necessities of life – and needing the Hope of the Living Lord.

Ministry at Trinity Mission brings John and Kim Stott into daily contact with those who are hungry, homeless, in-between jobs, dealing with addictions and even un-wanted pregnancy.  Resources from area churches, along with volunteers and assistance through the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering, make help and hope possible.

Like other care and hope ministries in Louisiana, Trinity Mission is grateful for support from the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering that makes it possible for them to give Bibles and tracts along with a bag of clothes or food.  This ministry is a partnership of Pine Hill Baptist Church, Olla and churches in LaSalle Baptist Association.

John and Kim Stott ask us to pray for:

  • strength to keep going;
  • others to always see Jesus in them; and
  • His wisdom in their ministry.

Currently Louisiana Baptists assist 17 Care and Hope centers through the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.

Wednesday Afternoon

My aunt’s comment on the Tollesons: “God keeps His promise to send New Mercies showing His Faithfulness!”

Tonight, fifty-five new IMB missionaries will be commissioned to serve around the world.  Please be in prayer for them as they move to their places of service around the world.  As you pray for them and their future ministries, please pray for the families they leave Stateside.  I know there are adjustments for them too.

Stacey Scarle had chemo and a rough day yesterday.  Please continue to pray for her.  Add her mom, Joanie Scarle, to your prayer list.  Joanie is having some medical testing.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is on the way home.  She didn’t waste any time at North Oaks.  Line Creek will be a good recovery location. Thank God for “Miss” Avis’  good recovery from surgery to this point.

Wednesday

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.”

~1Timothy 2:8~

Mary Kate LeTard, 75 years old of Hammond Louisiana, died September 13, 2010, after lengthy illness surrounded by son and friend Janet Landry at her residence.

She was born on February 5, 1935, in New Orleans.

Surviving are sons, Mark M LeTard, Brian P. LeTard, daughter & son-in-law, Pamela G. and John Betts, grandchildren, Kelly, Amanda and Beau LeTard, Eva and Matthew Posner, Quentin and Alayna Betts, brothers, William J. Reid and Richard V. Reid.

She is preceded in death by husband, Robert E. LeTard, brother, Joe E. Reid.
Friends will be received Saturday, September 18, 2010 9:00 am – 10:30 am at All Saints Episcopal Church in Ponchatoula.

Services will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, Saturday, at 10:30 AM.

Interment will follow in the Kentwood Cemetery Kentwood, Louisiana.

Donations may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church Capital Improvement Fund 250 West Hickory Street. Ponchatoula LA, 70454 or North Oaks Hospice P.O. box 2668 Hammond LA. 70404

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions – Day 4

Iglesia Bautista Hispaña

El Alfa y la Omega

Jose Us, Pastor

Joshua 1:9

“Haven’t I commanded: be strong and courageous?

Do not be afraid or discouraged,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Hispana-01Iglesia Bautista Hispaña El Alfa y la Omega offers worship and fellowship to the many faces of Louisiana missions which include Hispanic families in the Leesville area and at Fort Polk.  Pastor Jose Us personally feels and leads the challenge to reach the lost Hispanic community for Christ and to provide discipleship opportunities.

This church plant receives support from the sponsoring church, East Leesville Baptist church and Vernon Baptist Association.  Louisiana Baptists are part of this work through the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.

Like many other church plants, El Alfa y la Omega received a grant from the state mission offering which assisted with purchase of property and provides pastoral supplements.

As you pray, remember to pray for:

  • Families in the area to continue to respond to the Gospel and to God’s gift of salvation;
  • Follow-up opportunities as a result of Sharing the Peace of Jesus in the New Llano community.  Ask God for continued open doors for church members to visit;
  • Efforts to reach the Hispanic youth in the area;
  • Opportunities for the ministry of the church, the leadership and new believers; and
  • the recently begun English as a Second Language classes to be an effective tool, opening doors to share Christ.

Work among Hispanics is one of our greatest Louisiana mission needs.  Currently there are 16 Hispanic missions receiving state mission’s assistance.

Get out and enjoy some of the cooler temperatures God is blessing us with.  Spend time thanking God for the cooler weather during your prayer time.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

I have a “one-day-old” photo of Jillian Bodden is anyone wishes to see it.  Please let me know so I can email it to all of you.

Mrs. Judy Liberto did very well with her surgery this morning.  Pray for her recovery process to go as smoothly.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is somewhat better.  If she continues to do well, she may be able to come home by the end of the week.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is still doing well.  Keep praying.  We may soon have to pray for her family as they try to get her to rest!

Mrs. Mark Kate LeTard of Hammond passed away and will be buried in Kentwood.  The website will not allow me to get a complete obituary at this time.  I’ll try later and/or tomorrow.

Tuesday

“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer;

and while they are still speaking, I will hear.”

~Isaiah 65:24~

Stacey Scarle

‎5th chemo tomorrow (Tuesday). Surgeon decided to do all 8 chemos, surgery, then 6 wks of radiation. I should complete chemo in December and have surgery in January. I want to thank everyone for the love & support.

Mrs. Avis Sulivan will be admitted to North Oaks at 8:30 for surgery.  Please be in prayer for her and her family.

CaringBridge

Mrs. Lois Bridges tripped at home Sunday and broke a hip.  She is scheduled for surgery Wednesday at North Oaks.  Pray for her to have a good recovery from this problem.

Robbie Lynn C. Kirby is at her home in Jackson, MS.  Thank God for the good report she received yesterday.  Pray for a full recovery from this surgery.

Please remember to pray for Judy Liberto who will have surgery in McComb this morning and Jason Dean as he has a procedure in Hattisburg today.

You are invited to the cabin Thursday at 6:30 for a time of fellowship and eating followed by a devotional and time of prayer.  If you need more information, please contact me.

Disaster Relief

Gibbie McMillan, State Coordinator

Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me’.”

Disaster-Relief-02Louisiana is no stranger to natural disaster, “occurrences which cause human suffering or create human needs that victims cannot alleviate without assistance.”    Disaster Relief units in Louisiana are part of a national fleet of responders working with partners in other states and the North American Mission Board.  They respond to other states when requested by NAMB.

The many faces of Louisiana missions include those serving through Disaster Relief as well as recipients.  Through feeding units, chain saw units, shower units and laundry units, Louisiana Disaster Relief provides assistance in our state, in other states, and in other countries.

The Disaster Relief budget comes from the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.  This budget is used to maintain equipment and at times has been needed to purchase new equipment.

Gibbie McMillan, Disaster Relief Director asks that we pray for:

  • provisions needed for response when disaster strikes;
  • sensitivity to the needs of the people involved in Disaster Relief;
  • this ministry to be used to reach and reap a harvest of souls for the Kingdom; and
  • more volunteers to respond to God’s call to be part of this great work.

Disaster Relief volunteers helped to prepare more than 7,000 Buckets of Hope for shipment to Haiti in Spring 2010.  While this is not a direct state missions ministry, it was possible because of the cooperative efforts of Louisiana Baptists on mission together.

Thank-you for praying today.  Your prayers mean so much to so many!

Anna Lee