“Glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.”
~Ephesians 3:20 (TLB)~
Deborah Bales is at home. She is blessed and thankful her health is improving. Please continue to pray for her.
Charles Warren is making small steps in the “getting better” direction. Please continue to pray for him, his family, and the medical staff caring for him.
Mr. “Cete” Dillon has been moved to a room next door to “Miss” Ruby‘s room at North Oaks. They hope to see each other now. They both continue to improve.
Pat Hendry of Chesbrough passed away Friday night at Tulane, the only hospital that had room for him. (Pat’s mother and David’s mother were sisters.)
Prayer Focus – Today, let’s pray for people struggling to make wise decisions about schooling, healthcare, churches, jobs, finances, etc. Pray they turn to God for guidance.
Lottie Moon Offering for international missions
You can always give and know that one hundred percent of your gift goes directly to the mission field.
“Shoeboxes”
Plans are underway for OCC 2021 at FBC, Kentwood. This is a year-long project. The focus is on needy children around the world. Not only do we try to supply some needs, toothbrushes, soap, etc., but we also focus on introducing the children to Jesus. Join us in helping.
I would love to encourage those of you who have not participated before to join in this year. You can work with our church or any other church or organization, or simply pack the shoeboxes on your own. I am available to give guidance based on my experiences and training.
MR. “CETE” DILLON has improved. “MISS” RUBY DILLON is making even better improvement. Pray for continued improvement for both of them. Home now seems to be the destination once they are discharged.
I received word that MRS. ANNE HURST passed away yesterday. Due to timing, I have not confirmed her death. I do know she has been hospitalized for some time at Greensburg.
READ THE BIBLE IN 2021 – January 1, 2021
Today is the day to begin reading the Bible in one year for the first time for some. For others, it will be reading again since they have done so before. The time is never right to stop reading. Today’s reading is the first three chapters of the Bible.
Genesis 1:1 – Genesis 3:24
Don’t forget you get a printed list at FBC, Kentwood. They are available in the sanctuary and during office hours.
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY – Today, let’s pray for each other as we read our Bibles this year. Many years ago, I asked my cousin to be my accountability partner for my daily Bible reading. She called each evening to ask if I had read my Bible that day. If I hadn’t she asked me to read aloud over the phone. It worked. Her calls were my motivation to keep reading when I had lots of homework or other things to my schedule. Accountability partners are good for each other. If you need one, pray today for God to help you select someone who will be faithful in reminding you to read your Bible.
HYMN OF THE DAY
I don’t know what 2021 holds for us as individual, families, churches, towns, or countries, but I know who holds our tomorrows. He will walk with us through all our good days and our bad days. I hope you know Him too.
My apologies for being late with this post. My computer suddenly stopped opening tabs early this morning. I thought I had done something wrong, but Jason suggested the internet must have been down. Thankfully, he was correct.
Debbie Bales was hospitalized yesterday and is undergoing some tests to identify her problem. Please pray for her and for her family.
Ashley Miller Hutto had a successful gall bladder surgery yesterday. Pray for her during her recovery.
Donna Fay Miller has several health issues that seem to require periodic hospitalizations. She’s home now. Pray for Donna Fay’s health.
Mr. “Cete” and “Miss” Ruby Dillon are hospitalized, but may not be there very long before going to rehab. Thank God for their improvement from covid.
Pray for all the others who are sick with covid. David and I have both lost a cousin and some friends. Most families have now lost at least one loved one. Pray for families.
Pamela Mae Bunch Sellers
December 15, 1952 – December 29, 2020
Pamela Mae Bunch Sellers, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed into her eternal reward peacefully at her home in Kentwood, Louisiana on December 29, 2020.
Pam was born in Magnolia, Mississippi on December 15, 1952. She was the only child of George H. “Nookie” Bunch, Jr. and Marguerite Newman Bunch.
She was a Majorette in the Kentwood High School Band during her high school years, and retired from both the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, where she was a civil deputy, and the 21st Judicial District Court Judges Chambers in the Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse, where she was the receptionist for many years. She enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren and attending any special events in which they were involved. She was a member of Kentwood First Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George H. Bunch, Jr. and Marguerite Newman Bunch, and a granddaughter, Simone Eva Sellers.
Pam is survived by her husband of 48 years, Wm. David Sellers; her son, Bill Sellers and his wife, Michell; her daughter, Kara Sellers Corkern and her husband, Wesley; and her two granddaughters, Molly Elizabeth Sellers and Camellia Mae Corkern.
Visitation will be held from 9:00AM to 11:00AM at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G, Kentwood, Louisiana, on Saturday, January 2, 2021, followed by services conducted by Bro. Joey Miller at 11:00AM. Burial at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, Louisiana. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jimmie J. Van, Jr.
(My cousin)
August 5, 1942 – December 29, 2020
Jimmie J. Van Jr, 78 of McComb, MS, passed from this life to his Heavenly home on December 29, 2020. At the time of his passing, Mr. Van was lovingly surrounded by his children.
Mr. Van was born on August 5, 1942 to Jimmie J. Van Sr. and Elizabeth Wilkinson Van, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his precious granddaughter Delia Catherine Van, daughter of Justin Cord and Diane Lazarus Van.
Survivors are his children, daughter Julie Van Kitchens (Kevin) of Hattiesburg, MS and their four children. Sons, Justin Cord Van (Diane) and Jason Ernest Van all of McComb, MS. Sister, Laurie Van Fesmire (Ike) and brother Jerry Van (Linda) all of McComb, MS. Also, surviving him are a host of cousins and numerus nieces and nephews. Mr. Van was also survived by a long time (40+years) loyal employee and friend, Nancy McCarthy or McComb, MS.
Mr. Van’s title was “Papaw” to grandchildren, Laila Annette (11), Charles “Charlie” Prescott (6) and twins Mary Callihan and Elizabeth “Liz Morgan” Kitchens (3) all of Hattiesburg, MS. His grandchildren brought him so much joy and he was loved dearly by them all.
Mr. Van grew up in Magnolia near Terry’s Creek Baptist Church where he was a member and learned to sing and love Christian music. Throughout his life, he led music at various churches around McComb which included Bogue Chitto Baptist Church, Magnolia Methodist Church and Terry’s Creek Baptist Church. He was also a faithful choir member at Central Baptist Church for many years.
Mr. Van graduated in 1960 from Magnolia High School and immediately joined the U.S. Air Force for four years. Once he returned home, Mr. Van attended Southwest MS Community College and Hinds Junior College where he studied computers. After working with computers for several years, Mr. Van made the decision to start a new business in McComb with his parent’s encouragement. In September 1971, Van opened the doors of a new building in Pike Center Mart, named City Paint & Glass. He was owner/operator for 37 years before retiring. City Paint & Glass today proudly runs under the leadership of Mr. Van’s two sons, Jason Van and Justin Van.
Mr. Van loved the Lord and found joy in serving him wherever he could. He had a lifelong love for global mission work that took him many places around the world. He loved singing and used his voice often for the Lord. He loved working in his yard and helping others with theirs, especially his son in law Kevin. Mr. Van enjoyed going to the movies and watching a good western on TV. He loved to travel and pick up trinkets from his visits to keep as mementoes. He often attended soccer games of his grandchildren and loved watching them play. Mr. Van was a people person to the core and truly loved visiting and chatting with people after his retirement.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Hollywood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Van and family would greatly appreciate donations be made to “Delia’s Dock” in remembrance of his beautiful granddaughter who was born sleeping. Checks can be made out to Becky’s Camp Sunshine Foundation Inc. (In memo please note “Delia’s Dock”) and sent c/o Betsy Murrell PO Box 1704 McComb, MS. 39649.
Tomorrow is the official date to begin to read through the Bible again. I got an early start and am enjoying the familiar stories. Reading a translation that is more like reading a modern day book makes it easier than the formality of some other versions. It is very appropriate for this.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Thank God for 2020 despite covid and other issues you may have faced. Thank him for His presence with you daily, all the provisions He supplied, your health, your family, etc. There is much to thank Him for even though we have had a pandemic.
Ask God for guidance in 2021. He is prepared to give it to us. We just need to listen to Him and follow His guidance.
Pray for Jimmy and Linda Williams. He has been in and out of the hospital more than one time lately. Pray the doctors can find the right treatment for Jimmy.
Mr. “Cete” and “Miss” Ruby Dillon are in North Oaks due to Covid-19. They went in yesterday afternoon and hopefully won’t need to be there long. Mr. “Cete’s” covid is complicated with heart issues. Please pray for them and their family.
Continue to pray for all those who are sick. Some have been on this prayer list. Some may have been on your personal prayer list.
Jimmy Van, Jr. of the Magnolia/McComb area passed away yesterday.
Pam B. Sellers of Kentwood also passed away yesterday.
I will post obituaries when they become available.
It may seem early to you to think about packing shoeboxes for the 2021 Christmas season, but I assure you lots of dedicated packers are out looking for deals and beginning to shop according to their packing plans for the coming season. A friend has already started sewing for our shoeboxes. She made masks for all our boxes last year. Yesterday, she sent me sample of her sewing projects for the coming shoebox season. What is your talent? What will you aim to accomplish for OCC in 2021. We all need to start with our talents and make our plans. Be thinking and then, volunteer. Yesterday, I also had a volunteer for online shopping. What a blessing these ladies are to the “shoebox” program.
Have you really prayed about someone or something lately. I believe God wants us to fervently pray.
As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.
Despite learning of more covid cases in our area, I also hear of improvements. Today, I can say that Deputy Charles Warren had made several significant improvements in the last few days. Let’s pray for his continued improvement and for the improvement of all the others who are now sick. I read that worldwide, many places are reporting higher number of cases than ever before. Be safe and pray.
Today’s Prayer Focus: Today, I plan to spend some time listing all of my many blessing of 2020 and thanking God for how the blessings greatly outnumber the problems. Today, focus on the positives of 2020 and thank God.
The chronological Bible reading plan for 2021 is available at FBC, Kentwood. Stop by and get one for your/your family’s use. I finished my 2020 plan and started this new one early. I’m enjoying it and not finding it difficult to follow. I hope many of you begin it on the first.
Don’t forget we will be repurposing men’s button front shirts into dresses for Operation Christmas Child. We are depending on you to supply us with shirts. They can be left in the church office or the classroom next to the choir room. Let me know if you would like to learn how to cut and sew the shirts for this awesome transformation.
Today is a good day to pray for and contribute to the Lottie Moon Offering for international missions.
Looking ahead to 2021, what are some areas of your life you may wish to alter. Think of spiritual changes, not just the physical changes we often hear. Do you need to get more involved in your church? Do you need more Bible study? Do you need to get involved in a ministry? Etc.
Many of us have spent most of our days home and away from people because of the pandemic. Today, make an effort to contact at least one person you have not seen lately. Check on their health and their needs. Pray for them. Let them know someone is thinking about them. Be an encourager! They will be blessed! You will also be blessed!
“God . . . does everything just right and on time,
but people can never completely understand what he is doing.”
~Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NCV)~
I know several people who are having elective surgery/procedures this week. You probably know some too. Write their names on your prayer list.
This weather doesn’t help those who have illnesses like sinus issues, cold, and flu. As you remember to wear your mask, also remember jackets, hats, and gloves.
Remember to pick up your copy of the chronological Bible readings for 2021. They are available at FBC, Kentwood during office hours this week. I’ve already started since I finished the 2020 readings a few days early and find them easy to follow.
We have started shopping for our 2021 “shoeboxes”. We are also beginning the process of collecting something different this year. We need good, clean men’s button-front shirts to repurpose into dresses. All sizes are useful. These can be left in the church office or in the classroom next to the choir room. We will also be accepting lace, rick-rack, and fabric scraps suitable to make pockets for the girls’ dresses.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
IMB vision:
“God has given His vision to the church. That vision, expressed so clearly in Revelation 7:9 of a multitude of every language, people and tribe and nation, is His vision.” – Dr. Paul Chitwood
3,532total field personnel (11/30/2020)
*1,209people groups and urban centers engaged by IMB89,
11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Be sure you check out the 2021 chronologicle Bible readings available at FBC, Kentwood. January 1st will be here in less than a week! I completed the Bible readings for 2020 and have looked ahead to 2021. I was amazed to see how Genesis and I Chronicles present the same messages in some of the first readings.
Many people are sick with colds, viruses, flu, etc. Wearing your covid mask might prevent other problems too!
Tomorrow’s online church services from FBC, Kentwood will be at 10:30 and 6:00 as usual. The great thing about the online services is that you do not have to watch them as they happen. We have watched a few early the next morning when the computer service was more cooperative. You may even want to rewatch some services.
Don’t forget the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. One hundred percent of the money given goes to the mission field to help people around the world learn about Jesus.
Coming soon: Operation Christmas Child 2021!
Today is a good day to “reach out and touch” someone. Don’t miss the opportunities God provides.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
~Luke 2:10-12~
Merry Christmas! I hope you and your family will make it a priority to talk about the birth of our Savior and why He came to earth to give us an opportunity to spend eternity in Heaven with Him.
Today’s Prayer Focus: Pray that Christmas celebrations in Kentwood and all around the world will include the gift God sent long ago in Bethlehem. LUKE 2 would be a wonderful chapter to read together and talk about.
Please say special prayers for those who are ill this holiday season and for those who have illness in their families. Also, pray for those who have lost family members recently.
(I got anxious to finish reading in 2020 and completed reading with the last of Revelation yesterday. I am always thrilled to know I have read the Bible one more time. Did I understand/fully comprehend everything I read? No, but I feel like I refreshed a lot in my memory and understand more than before.)
During 2021, I will read the Bible chronologically. I have already printed and placed copies of the plan in the church sanctuary. If anyone would like them, pick them up there or stop by the office to get a copy. When this portion of the year is completed, I’ll most the next readings. I will also post on The Prayer Link each day. If I should forget, please remind me.
Today, I know of more people with Covid than yesterday. I look forward to days of not hearing of new cases. Hopefully, the vaccination will be helpful as time goes by and more people can get vaccinated.
Of course, Covid is not the only illness. Pray for those with heart issues, respiratory issues, etc. I remember having the flu one Christmas season and sending my family off to enjoy some time with other family members while I stayed home and rested (slept). My only memory of Christmas that year was the preparations.
Please remember those who will not be with their families for the holidays. Think of all those in the military who are away from home for the first Christmas of their lives. We have a grandson who fits that category. Think of medical personnel, police, and even store employees who will miss some sweet family time. Say a special pray for those you personally know. Be thankful they will be there for us if we need them.
Many churches will be having a service this evening to celebrate Jesus. FBC, Kentwood will have a brief, 30 minute, service at 6 P.M. The church plans to post it online. I will share it too. If possible, join them or another church for this sweet celebration.
Have a happy family time, even if it needs to be by phone, photos, facetime, or zoom.
Remember, the holiday is not about gifts, family, food, gatherings, etc. It is about Jesus! Be sure to include the Christmas message from the Bible.
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