Category: Children in Action and Mission Friends

Thursday

Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

~1 Chronicles 16:10~

Times of heartache are opportunities to help people in physical and spiritual ways.  This is certainly one of those times in Louisiana!

 

 

I have four people who have been very sick I want to suggest you pray for today.

  • Sherman Cutrer has been moved from Southwest to North Oaks Rehab.  He’s in room 1717 and can have visitors from 4 PM to 9 PM.
  • Annette Williams Kaufman, daughter of Rufus and Margie, has had stomach issues for several years.  She had again been admitted to the hospital for this problem.
  • Mary Estelle Raborn has been sick for quite a while.  She’s in specialty hospital in Hammond.  Please say a prayer to her this morning,
  • Justin Lambert continues to make small steps of improvement.  He recently got a wheelchair that allows him to spend some time outside.  Getting outside that hospital for brief periods of time surely was a boost to his spirits.

 

Scripture Writing – 2 Corinthians 4:1-3

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, Quotes, and a Song

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has completed a number of jobs in our area and is working again today in several places.  You are welcome to join them at 7 A.M. any morning at The Lord’s Church.  You do not have to be Baptist to receive help.  You only need to complete an application and have your problem evaluated.  People are coming from many churches.  People from many areas are giving.  People from our area are benefitting.  Don’t miss the opportunity to be blessed.

Find some opportunities and take advantage of this historic flooding to make an eternal difference in/for the people of our communities.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Watch to see where God is working

and join Him in His work.

~Henry Blackaby~

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly

about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

10 That is why, for Christ’s sake,

I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,

in persecutions, in difficulties.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

~2 Corinthians 12:9-10~

 

Kristi Alford

Anna Lee would U Plz do a update on my grandchildren’s Mother Kristi Alford . She heard back from her labs concerning a mass they found on her pelvic which had a stem into her ovary . The Drs R discussing some form of treatment . She will know shortly seems as though they R leaning toward radiation . Thk U for adding her to the prayer link ..

Debi Bales wrote the above message.  George Bales gave James Rimes permission for me to say that Kristi is going to M.D. Anderson for treatment.  Please pray for Kristi, her family, and the great medical staff she will have in Houston.

Please continue to pray for Sherman Cutrer and his family.  Sherman is in McComb.

I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “When it rains, it pours”, that could describe the Sharkey family and all the health issues they have experienced lately.  Let’s “pour on” some prayer for them.

David’s eye issues/treatment seem to have gone on for a long time.  Today, he sees the cornea specialist to be sure the new lens is properly placed, removed some stitches, and check the overall health of his eye.  David has loved helping in flooded homes.  Pray he has not done anything or been exposed to anything that will slow down the healing process.

 

There were fifteen “young” ladies present to celebrate the birthdays of four ladies who were able to be with us yesterday: Frances Gay, Fay Shoemaker, Ferrie Gene Blackmon, and Sue Connelly.

Many flood victims find it hard to believe how people, like Southern Baptist Disaster volunteers, can give of their time freely and work so hard in homes of people they do not know and charge absolutely nothing!  I love to see so many of our churches and God’s people being the church throughout our state.  As Dr. Wendall Fortenberry of New Zion Baptist Church so often says, “To God be the glory”.

I’m so thankful for ladies who step up to do what they can in disaster relief.  They are eager to do their part.  I love the ladies’ sweet, generous spirit and generosity of time, talents, and money.  I suppose that deserves a “To God be the glory”.

Thanks to all who have shopped and shopped again for Operation Christmas Child.  We are making good progress.  Ladies will help with a “shoebox” project Friday and children will help next Wednesday.  Missions is coming alive through so many of you who have shopped and contributed.  God is pleased because the “shoeboxes” not only represent gifts, but also the opportunity to have Bible lessons.  They change young live eternally.

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 2: 12-16 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Do something that makes a difference today.  It is your mission project.  It can be a personal project or a group effort.  The main thing is to do something!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

In the same way,

faith by itself,

if it is not accompanied by action,

is dead.

~James 2:17~

With so many people working through different churches and organizations, I am happy to say faith in action abounds in our area.  One again, a Scripture so appropriate to our day, our area, and many of our churches has been waiting on my computer for me to post today.  I am so thankful to be here and see what many people/churches/organizations are doing.  The love of God abound is shown through the actions of so many.

If you have been helping, God bless you!

If you haven’t been helping, may God lead you to many opportunities to help.

Pray – Please pray for those working in homes. Pray for those traveling to being help.  Pray for those in other states who are giving and sending.  Pray for the leadership in organizations that do so much, especially those that share Jesus as they work.  May God watch over each one and bless them in each and every thing they do.

Give to worth causes.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Romans+2%3A+7-11&version=NIV

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Reminders

  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at 11 A.M. this morning.
  • OCC item for this week at FBC, Kentwood – Jump Ropes  (Last week – Hats)  You can bring  your items to my Sunday School room on Sunday mornings.
  • Fall Food Roundup items for LA Baptist Children’s Home – This week – Condensed Milk, Cooking Oil, and Corn Meal (Last week – Bottled juice (apple, orange, grape, fruit punch), Chili w/o beans and Clorox)  You can leave your donations under the stairs that go upstairs at the office entrance.
  • Ladies’ Bible Study will meet at 10 Friday morning and continue John, chapter 9.  We will also spend a few minutes preparing some items for shipment in the OCC shoeboxes.
  • Children in Action and Mission Friends are bringing and offering each week.  This will be used in a project we choose monthly.  They are also doing a project each month.  Pray the children will learn the importance of missions and develop an love for doing missions.

As God calls you, be sure to listen.

Anna Lee

Monday

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,

“I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.

~John 8:12~

 

I have had a week to take notice of instances where, as my friend’s shirt says, the church has left the building (and gone into the community).  Friend helping friend!  Stranger helping stranger!  Outsider helper local!  Locals helping outsiders!  This could go on and on.  There is no denying many have needed and received help.  Many more still need help.  Let’s be the “light” in a dark world.

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 2:4-6 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Romans+2%3A+4-6&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song –

  • “At Risk of Falling” – http://odb.org/2016/08/22/at-risk-of-falling/
  • If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!                                                                                                                                  ~1 Corinthians 10:12~
  • “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

Announcements

  • Disaster Relief Teams will have breakfast and a devotional at 7 A.M. each day at The Lord’s Church before heading out to their assignments.  They would be appreciative of your help.  The people you will be helping  will be even more appreciative.  God will be pleased too.
  • The “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be tomorrow at 11:00 at The Cafe.  We will be honoring ladies with August birthdays.  Bring a friend if you would like.
  • Children in Action/Mission Friends will meet Wednesday at 6 P.M.  Last week, we learned about missionaries in Cincinnati, Ohio.  I am so blessed each week as I have the opportunity to work with these children.  I hope we have some new boys and girls this week.
  • Friday, at Bible study, we will take time to prepare a few more items of Operation Christmas Child.  I’m happy to report that the flooding at church mainly caused time and effort.  I think the monetary loss is less than $5.00.  I thank God for this opportunity.
  • Operation Christmas Child – Thank-you to those who brought in items yesterday.  I appreciate each donation, but know the boys and girls who receive the “shoeboxes” will appreciate your donations even more.
  • Friday morning Bible study will continue learning from John 9.  Last week, we found new truths in our study of the blind man Jesus healed.  When we study and combine our thoughts, we are able to always learn something that we have overlooked before.  Join us if you are interested.

 

Help others overcome the flood by praying, donating, cooking, clean-out, etc.  Just help!

Anna Lee

 

Saturday

“And who knows

but that you have come to your royal position

for such a time as this?”

~ Esther 4:14 ~

 

Sherman Cutrer‘s surgery went well.  He is in ICU now.  Physical therapy awaits him as part of the next step to complete recovery.  Keep Sherman and his family in your prayers.

Henry McKenzie is home and doing well following out-patient surgery.  Please continue to remember him in your prayers.

Mr. Bobby Simpson celebrated his 83rd birthday yesterday with the arrival of a new great, granddaughter, Murphy Evans.  I’m sure that made the day especially nice for everyone.

Robert “Scotty” Webb

September 28, 1971 – August 18, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=3862474&fh_id=10545

 

Disaster Relief by Baptists is amazing.  They are sending truck and trailer loads of supplies which are passed on to areas that are most in need of them.  Teams of workers have been on the job sites with some locals.  Four of the men David worked with yesterday were from Tupelo, Mississippi and all David’s age or older.  They drove a day, will work three days, and then drive a day to return home.  Hard workers!  Fine Christian men who are sleeping on cots in a Sunday School classroom right now so they can be available to get busy early in the morning.  They represent only one of many teams that have arrived or will soon be arriving to help Louisiana.

Local people helping are sometimes those you would expect, but often those you would never dream of helping.  They are there doing a part.  It is such a blessing to learn who is helping and how they are helping.  For every person tearing our floors and cutting and hauling out sheetrock, there are people transporting supplies, serving in kitchens, helping people complete applications, serving as chaplains, etc.  I have seen the fruits of good, Godly leadership.  My heart has been touched by the way people have responded.

People who have had their homes destroyed are learning how to say “Less is better” and “God is good”!  Women are doing work you often think of as men’s work, but have stepped in to work with the men to help as many people as they possibly can as quickly as can be done.  I love seeing your love in action.

Others, who are still working regular jobs, find ways to add in disaster relief and Christian love to their daily schedules.  Some have traveled the roads lately collecting and delivering items needed immediately.  Others have cooked and given away food, sometimes a plateful at a time and sometimes in huge quantities.  There is a way for everyone to help!

People who are being helped have such of sense of love coming from church members, friends, neighbors, and total strangers.  Lives on both sides, victims and helpers, have been changed this week.  Changed forever!

To God by the glory!

 

Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

Scripture Writing – John 8:19-20

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Operation Christmas Child

The flooding at church has created a lot of work for us, but it also has brought attention to the space being used for storage and organization.  It has been lot, hot, wet, and messy, BUT it is so much better now.  It’s easy to recognize the good that has come about because of the flooding.

Items are being counted, grouped, and organized for preparation for our packing party.  If you want to take care of a need, just ask me what is needed.  If you want to help me work, just let me know when you are available.  If you don’t shop much, let one of us do the shopping for you!  The point is, this is a group effort.

Yesterday, I had three projects related to OCC ready yesterday morning.  The ladies who came to Bible study chose to complete the projects before we had Bible study.  They worked quickly and efficiently.  When we finished, they helped me transport and store the items until needed in two months.  What a sweet blessing the ladies are to me.  They quietly work to serve God in so many ways!

 

The August “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be be on the 23rd.  I hope you are planning to come honor some of our ladies.  Meet at The Cafe in Kentwood at 11:00 A.M.

 

The Children in Action and Mission Friends are learning about missions and missionaries.   We’ve started to send a birthday card to a MK, missionary kid, every month.  If you have children in the family from the age of three through the fifth grade, please be sure they get to participate.  Our offering last month purchased highlighters for OCC.  Our mission activity was preparing some items, bars of soap, pencils, and glue sticks, for our packing party by removing the packaging, counting, and bagging them.  They were tremendous helpers and enjoyed hearing about Operation Christmas Child as we worked. We meet on Wednesdays from 6-7 P.M.

In addition to helping her class purchase some items, one lady is going to pack additional boxes with her grandchildren.  If you wish to do that, please let me know.  I will supply you with boxes, instructions, and labels.  You can teach your children, grandchildren, nieces, neighbors so much as you shop and pack.

Our packing party will be Saturday, October 29th at 6 P.M.  Please plan to be there with a Christmas treat to share as we party and pack.  We will have a sweet prayer time for the boxes.

One more thing I would love for you to do is to write a note or draw a picture to place in a shoebox.  You can do as many as you like.  Be sure to include your name and  address.  One day you may be surprised to get a letter in return.  I think I many even include a stamped, self-addressed envelope in some boxes.  If you choose to do that, it would be wise to put three stamps on each envelope.  It costs more to mail internationally.  Think how exciting it will be to hear from some of the children who receive shoeboxes from us.  It’s okay to send your picture too!

 

So much to thank God for!  So many opportunities to help others!  So many ways to reach out to children at Christmas!  So many….

Anna Lee

Friday

When did we see you a stranger

and invite you in,

or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison

and go to visit you?’

 “The King will reply,

‘Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least

of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.’

~Matthew 25:38-40 (NIV)~

 

 

Sherman Cutrer’s hip surgery has been rescheduled for 11:00 this morning in McComb.  Please pray for the medical staff, for Sherman, and for his family.

Joyce Phelps
(October 27, 1939 – August 17, 2016)

http://www.jonesfamilyfuneralservices.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=3860695&fh_id=12269

Operation Christmas Child donations were endangered by flood waters at FBC, Kentwood.  I’m thankful to report that much hard work has “saved the day” so out shoeboxes can be packed at the end of October as planned.  Today, after Bible study, ladies will be working to prepare soap and washcloths and toothpaste and toothbrushes for shipping.  The Children in Action group has already done some preliminary work to make today’s task easier.  They also used their offering from last month to purchase highlighters for the shoeboxes.  Thank-you to all who have contributed so far.  Plan to be a part of the packing party on October 29th.

 

Everyone except one couple at the cabin last night had family members with flood damage.  Even that family had several friends with flood damage.  What a precious time it was as David led the devotional that touched many hearts last night. We all know of the faithfulness of God and our need to “Count Your (Our) Blessings” and to have “Joy, Joy, Joy”, a song written, played, and shared by Mr. Harlon Toney.  We expressed our appreciation for churches and individuals who have worked tirelessly this past week to help others and continue to do so.  For example, Bubba Roberts worked clearing out homes all day and still came to sing and play for us last night.

 

Scripture Writing – John 8:15-18 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A15-18+&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

 

Do something helpful to others today.  Share some Jesus in the process.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Consider it pure joy,

my brothers and sisters,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that

the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Let perseverance finish its work

so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

~James 1:2-4~

Once again, I must confess that I did not search for this verse today.  God provided it!

 

Sherman Cutrer fell over the week-end and broke his hip.  He will have surgery in McComb, possibly tomorrow.  Due to other health issues, this surgery will be more complicated.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Henry McKenzie will be having outpatient surgery tomorrow in McComb.  Pray for him.

David saw the retina specialist yesterday.  He said both eyes are improving.  We were so thankful to hear that.  Please pray for continued healing.

Frances Gay was also in Covington yesterday.  Her tests indicated the ulcer is healed.  Thank God for this good report.

Justin and Becky Tanner Nowell’s daughter, Carrie, had surgery to repair a hole in her heart.  All went well yesterday.  Pray for a good recovery and a healthy future for Carrie Nowell.

Harrell Sharkey is still at home and improving.  The family is so thankful for all the prayers on his behalf.

 

Brian Piner’s mother, Delores, passed away.  Please be in prayer for the Piner family.

 

Children in Action and Mission Friends will meet from 6-7 P.M. tonight.

 

 

Highway 51 is closed in the Roseland-Amite area due to a water leak.  Think your travel plans through before heading that way.

New Covenant Baptist Church in Denham Springs will house the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief work in that area just as The Lord’s Church is the one for our association.

Disaster Relief would appreciate prayers, volunteers, and donations.  They had a good day yesterday working to gut houses that had water damage.

 

Scripture Writing – Mark 2:15-17

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

We WILL have the Third Thursday Gathering at the cabin tomorrow at 6:30.  I think we have much to THANK God for this week.

I am so thankful to see how many of the area churches are helping others in these difficult post-flood days.  I know God loves seeing His people help others in so many ways.  

Anna Lee

Thursday

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.

Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,

so great is his unfailing love.

~Lamentations 3:31-32~

 

Kristi Alford‘s preliminary medical reports look good.  Keep praying.  More reports early next week!

Harrell Sharkey is  better.  He has been through a lot.  Thanks to those who have stuck with him with their prayers.

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 7:13-15 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A13-15&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture. and a Song 

 

This Saturday is McComb’s Gospel Opry.  Call 601-600-6704 for more information.  You’ll be amazed at how many area people are there enjoying the music and worshiping God.

At missions class last night we learned about an MK. missionary kid, from Ohio.  His birthday is tomorrow, so we sent him a card.  Praying for all missionaries and MKs on their birthdays is beneficial to us and to them.

Operation Christmas Child is in the collection and sorting stage now.  Tomorrow, after Bible study, the ladies will participate by helping to get the toiletries packed in ziplock bags and placement in the shoeboxes in October.

Today is a good day to make some purchases for Operation Christmas Child.  Ask someone what your church needs at this point.  Items we ship will make a difference in young lives.  Last night it was eye-opening to be able to stand children in front of a world map and show them the countries that prepare the boxes and then to show them all the other countries on the receiving end of OCC.  

Anna Lee

 

 

Wednesday

A person’s wisdom yields patience;

it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

~Proverbs 19:11~

 

Tricia Doss had foot surgery.  Pray for a good healing period and a healthier foot.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden did not have surgery as planned today.  The doctor told her it will be best to have laser surgery in one eye and nothing in the other one.  Keep praying for her improved vision.

Harrell Sharkey still is on oxygen and have lots of PT ahead.  Keep him in your prayers.

Mrs. Mimi Sneed  called yesterday to request prayer for her son, Bobby.  His health has not been good for a while.

By noon today, David and I will have had five appointments so far this week.  His surgery yesterday went well, but the eye has a patch on it until the doctor removes the patch this morning.  Hopefully, David’s vision in that eye will go from all fuzzy to clear.  Pray for some vision in his left eye.

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 7:9-12 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A9-12&version=NIV

 

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

It’s my favorite night of the week – Children’s Missions!  Boys and girls from age 3-grade 5 are welcome to meet with us from 6-7 P.M.  Among other things, we will be signing a birthday card for a MK.  For you adults who don’t know, MK means missionary kid.  We’lll also pray for him as he helps his parents in their ministry.

Thanks to people who have already said they want to help collect shoe boxes from other churches.  You will be an important link is getting area shoeboxes to children all around the world.

Do you remember the song “Love and marriage, the go together like a horse and carriage”?  With the prayer link, we might say “read and pray”.  They go together in the same way.

Anna Lee

 

Tuesday

If you declare with your mouth,

“Jesus is Lord,”

and believe in your heart

that God raised him from the dead,

will be saved.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified,

and it is with your mouth

that you profess your faith and are saved.

~Romans 10:9-10~

 

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is having surgery on an eye to help save her vision.  Please pray for her surgery to be effective.

Jimmy Williams problem has been addressed with a change of medication.  He did NOT have a heart attack.

Deborah Bales requests prayer for the family of Jeremy and Kristi Alford.  Kristi has surgery that went well, but will be waiting for lab results for the next week or two.  Debi said the family would be happy to  have her name added to other prayer lists.

I want to share the next four WMU events with you.

  1. September 5 – Georgia Barnett Emphasis – New Zion Baptist Church
  2. October 17 – Matt Middlecamp and SLU BCM students will update us on their remodeling and their current mission projects.
  3. Nov. 7 – World Day of Prayer at Kedron
  4. December 4 (Sunday) – Lottie Moon Tea at FBC, Kentwood where we include ladies from 3-103 years of age.

You do not have to belong to a WMU to attend, just want to enjoy the morning with other ladies and learn about missions in a new way.  If you have any questions, please contact me.

Scripture Writing – Romans 7:7-8 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A7-8&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional – “Who Will Tell Them?” – http://odb.org/2016/08/09/who-will-tell-them/

Will you be the one to tell someone through a friendship, a shoebox, a missionary you help send, etc?

 

Plan to send your children, grandchildren to missions classes Wednesday night 6-7 P.M.  We’ll take good care of them and help them learn how to be the “someone” who tells others about Jesus.

Anna Lee