Category: Children in Action and Mission Friends

Wednesday

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

~1 Peter 2:24~

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 12
  • Psalm 93
  • Colossians 2

 

 

The Children in Action got to see their video last night.  Some adults also came in to see it last night.  You’ll be able to see it soon at a Southern Baptist church in Louisiana or by going to the Georgia Barnett site a little closer to September 16th when we focus of Louisiana missions during the Week of Prayer.

 

 

Thom S. Rainer is an American writer, researcher, speaker, and current president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.  He is the writer of one of my favorite blogs.  I mention him regularly on The Prayer Link.  Today, I want to steer you to read some of his recent posts and encourage you to sign up for his blog.

 

 

Waylon Bailey is the senior pastor of FBC, Covington.  I have been in his church for some meetings and have followed his blog too.

 

Thank-you for reading my posts, but branch out and read some others written by professional people and gain some new insights.   The blogs I listed were the most recent.  You can learn much more by doing some research on a particular topic and reading these individuals regularly.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

““Tell them to use their money to do good.

They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.”

 ~Timothy 6:18-19 NLT~

 

 

Today, I want to share information about five pastors I know.  I could tell you about many others, but these all have reason to celebrate this week.

  1. Rev. Chip Sloan has been a friend for 44 years.  He and his wife, Martha, are celebrating 47 years of marriage,  Roseland Baptist was his first church. He is still a pastor, just not so close to us any longer.
  2. Bro. Bob Simpson began his pastorate at Arcola Baptist Church 39 years ago.  He and his family “took root” in the area and are still here.
  3. Bro. Bobby Spinks just had surgery and is now home.  They attend church in Montpelier.  He and his wife have a calling to missions and are in the process of becoming international missionaries.
  4. Rev. Tommy Smith has moved from Greensburg to Franklinton where he will be the new pastor at Hillcrest.
  5. Rev. Brock Burch will be transitioning from youth minister at East Fork to being the pastor at Silver Springs Baptist Church.

Today, let’s pray for these and other pastors who have been called by God and serve Him.

 

 

The Georgia Barnett Offering is collected each fall to support missions in our state.  We begin the annual offering focus with a Week of Prayer each year.  The children of FBC, Kentwood will have a preview viewing of a portion of that video tonight at 6 P.M.  If you want to join us, feel free to attend.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 11
  • Job 36
  • Colossians 1

 

 

 

Our August Mission Projects Day will be Saturday, August 18th from 9:00 to noon.  Please join in the fun as we prepare to give to others.  Each “shoebox” will likely be a factor in influencing seven lives for the Lord.  Our “shoebox” efforts are both far-reaching and long-reaching.

 

Thanks of reading and praying today.  As you pray for those mentioned here, please add any others you feel led to pray for today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.  

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

~Isaiah 53:4-5~

 

Bobby Spinks‘ surgery went well yesterday.  Pray his recovery also goes well.

 

Ira Cleveland‘s back procedure went well yesterday.  He is at home and facing a long recovery period.  Pray he can be still long enough to heal.

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 10
  • Psalm 92
  • Philippians 4

 

Operation Christmas Child Needs 

  • Hotel size soap
  • Crayons
  • Large erasers
  • Pens
  • Brushes
  • Card of flashlights with batteries (Walmart)

Thank-you to all who have brought items for shoeboxes and to those who have taken shoeboxes to pack.  Let’s send some hygiene items, school supplies, toys, clothing, etc. and give children and their families an opportunity to learn about Jesus.  

 

 

Project Day for Missions – Third Saturday of August 9 A.M. to Noon

 

 

I made a mistake yesterday on the date for the Young at Heart meeting when Bro. Stan is speaking.  It will be the third Tuesday of August.  I hope you have a free schedule and can go then to hear Bro. Stan share about his recent Haiti mission trip.
Anna Lee

Monday

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

~Philippians 4:19 NLT~

 

 

Read the Bible

Sunday

Isaiah 9

Job 35

Philippians 3

Monday

Reflect on God as humble.

Catch up on any missed readings.

 

 

Clay Widas is doing better now as he recovers from the copperhead bike.  Thank you for praying for him.

 

Please continue to pray for Glenda Harrell and Yvonne Birch as they are are home making recoveries from recent procedures.

 

Buddy Morris was at church last night.  Pray for him as he has his second round of chemo Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

 

 

Pray for all the teachers, students, and support staff who are preparing for the start of school soon.  Pray it will be a good academic year for all of them.  Pray it will be a good year when students and teachers will “let their light shine” for Jesus each day.  Pray there will be a decrease in bullying and other actions that have no place in our schools.

 

 

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

Thom Rainer – https://thomrainer.com/

 

 

The new college and career class at FBC, Kentwood is off to a good start.  Their teachers will be Jeff and Deana Simmons.  All young adults who graduated from high school in recent years are encouraged to join them at 9:15 each week.

 

Saturday, Bro. Stan Statham was telling us a little about his recent mission trip to Haiti when there was an uprising there.  He, and all the others, are safely back at home.  Now, he is telling the story of their experiences and God’s great power and work during the week.  TheyTomorrow, he will be speaking at the monthly Young at Heart meeting at New Zion Baptist Church west of Kentwood on Highway 38 at 10 A.M.  New Zion will be thrilled to have you there to hear the story and to share lunch with them.  This is a community event.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  They will gladly share their covered dish lunch will all.

 

 

There was a segment recently recorded at FBC, Kentwood to tell about Louisiana missions as part of the Georgia Barnett Week of Prayer for 2018.  We will be watching the video at 6 P.M. Wednesday night.  Come view it with us!  May it inform and encourage the mission work being done in Louisiana.

 

 

The satellite problem has finally been solved.  I’ll spare you the long, difficult story.  I’m just thankful to be back.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

My server works briefly in the early morning hours and suddenly goes off, so this will probably be it for the day.  It will be some time next week before we get the problem corrected.

 

“Where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.”

~Matthew 6:21 NIV~

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 8
  • Psalm 91
  • Philippians 2

 

There are many people with health issues.  Here is a list of some of them.

  • Glenda Harrell came home, but still needs surgery.  Prayers are needed and appreciated.  She came home yesterday afternoon.
  • Rev. Bobby Spinks has done the pre-op work and is waiting for surgery next week.
  • Linda Callihan is scheduling her treatment (5 days a week for 5 weeks).
  • Buddy Morris has three days of chemo next week (Wednesday – Friday) in Covington.
  • Phillip Strickland continues to need our prayers.
  • Continue to pray for Jacob Yarborough’s family,
  • Buddy Waller needs our ongoing prayers.
  • Yvonne Birch is doing very well.

 

 

Of course, there are many who have issues other than health issues.  Please pray for God’s watch-care over each one of them.

 

Summer vacation is almost over for teachers and students.  Do your part to help a child/family who is struggling to prepare for the new school year.  Say special prayers for students who will be in a different school this year.

 

 

The Children in Action have learned there are several things we can do for missions – study, pray, give, and do.  During the month of July, we focused on “do”.   It has been a fun and productive month.  You may soon see some of the results of our efforts to share Jesus in Kentwood.

 

 

Tomorrow is God’s Day,  Be sure to give Him His day.

FBC, Kentwood

  • 9:15 – Sunday School for all ages
  • 10:30 – Morning Worship
  • 6:00 – Evening Worship and special classes for children and youth
  • Nursery always available during church services

Anna Lee

Monday

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

~Psalm 27:1~

 

 

What a blessing to see Jeb and Katie Brabham have their two boys dedicated to the Lord yesterday.  What precious boys!  Such a sweet family!

 

 

Please pray for Bro. Darryl Miller’s family.  His parents are not in good health.

 

 

Continue to pray for those in our community who are battling serious health issues.

 

 

Pray for those who have to be outside for extended time periods during this hot weather.  Everyone be careful.  Take care of the older and younger folks who are out in the heat.

 

 

Read the Bible Today

  • Catch up on any readings you missed last week.
  • Reflect on God as High Priest

 

 

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 

  • Honoring ladies with July birthdays
  • Tuesday at The Cafe at 11 A.M.

 

 

Children in Action

  • Wednesday nights at 6 P.M. in Children’s Department
  • Working on Operation Christmas Child projects this month
  • Children K-5th grade (boys and girls)
  • Children had a good time working at the mission project day Saturday.

 

 

Yesterday morning, David and I enjoyed breakfast at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church.  They do this every month as a benefit for someone with a special need.  Yesterday, our donations went to Lalou Schwebel Voight who has breast cancer.  Good job, Pine Ridge ladies!  Lalou, we wish you improved health.  You are in our prayers.

 

People are kind and thoughtful in many ways.  Travis Day has planted a large area of sunflowers and is allowing others to enjoy them, “Drive Thru and Pick a Few!”  His sunflower patch is on highway 440, about 4.5 miles west of the interstate at Tangipahoa.  Make some memories and some pictures!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Sunday

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5-6

 

 

 

Amber Prine Ragan

Recovery Update: 7/21/18 (12:00 PM) Dr. Lang came by to discuss the results of the MRI. There is a very small layer of the tumor remaining in the insula area under the cerebral cortex. This was the area that he was concerned about because of causing damage to the blood vessels that could have caused paralysis. The next step is the plan of treatment to attack this area. It will be a 6 week combination of chemotherapy plus radiation. We will meet with an oncologist when we return for the post-op visit on August 8th. At that time we will know more about the plan of attack! We will continue to post recovery updates.
We wanted to share a picture with everyone of our perfect patient and her Super Star Hero, Dr. Lang.

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” – Ralph Marston

 

 

Clovis W. Sanders

June 22, 1936 – July 20, 2018

A resident of Greensburg, LA passed away on Friday, July 20, 2018 at his home. He was born June 22, 1936 in Liverpool, LA and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Doris Griffin Sanders; daughter, Rita Allen and husband, Charles E.; 2 sons, Robert “Bob” Sanders and wife, Alice, and Patrick “Pat” Sanders and wife, Jeana; 4 grandchildren, Stephanie Floyd and husband, John, Chauntel Snoddy and husband, Nathan, Tazi McClung and husband, Stan, Travis Welch and wife, Molly, and Bryan Allen and wife, Melissa; 14 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Clyde and Fanny Sanders; former spouse, Margaret P. Sanders; son, Clovis W. Sanders, Jr.; brothers, Lawrence Sanders and James D. Sanders; sister, Ouida S. Wall. He was a member of Red Bluff Baptist Church, American Legion, North Helena Volunteer Fire Department, Lookout Rough Riders, Liverpool Enduro Motorcycle Club and a founding member of the Liverpool Riding Club. Visitation at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 23, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Joe Day and Rev. Raymond Taylor. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Yesterday completed a wonderful missions week.

  • Monday, we had our “show and tell” craft day for missions at Spring Creek.  We were blessed by some ladies I didn’t expect, but who shared testimonies that brought tears to many eyes.
  • Yesterday, many items were made to be used is mission projects.  I’m so thankful to those, young and older, who came to do their part.  Amazingly, two senior adult ladies took some items home to complete later.  That shows what a blessing their self-imposed “homework” was to their lives. What an example they set!

 

 

Tuesday, we will celebrate church ladies with birthdays in July.  We meet at The Cafe at 11 A.M.  Ladies being honored this month are Bobbie Magee, Barbara Erwin, Janice Hornsby, Martha  Griffith, Debbie Bales, and Anne Hurst.

 

 

Read the Bible today.

  • Isaiah 3
  • Job 32
  • Ephesians 3

 

 

I hope you have a great day of Bible study and worship today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:6-7~

 

 

 

I’m looking forward to seeing some of you at our mission project day this morning in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.  We will meet from nine to noon.  There is a job for everyone as we do both local and international missions.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 2
  • Psalm 89: 1-26
  • Ephesians 2

 

Amber Prine Ragan “We’re in this Together”

Recovery Update: 7/20/18 (11:30 AM)- Amber is doing awesome! All of the medical staff in the ICU keep making comments about how well she is doing. She had a good night last night, they are keeping her very comfortable. She is sitting up in a chair this morning visiting with her Dad and Ashlynn.
Dr. Lang had a little of a challenge at the beginning of surgery because of the scar tissue that had built up from the previous surgery 5 years ago. Once he got past that, he was able to start the intricate removal process of the tumor. As we said before, he feels that he was able to remove the majority of the tumor. Amber being awake and responding to different tasks allowed him to continue deeper into the area of tumor without causing any deficits. They will keep her in ICU for another 24 hours to monitor her closely. We hope to be moved into a room tomorrow. They have been great about letting family members visit with her.
Dr. Lang knows that a majority of the tumor has been removed, but it’s hard to know if it was 100% because of the area he was working in. They will do an MRI today that will confirm the final results of the surgery. Depending on the results of the MRI and tests that will be done on the extracted tumor, they will plan the best possible post-treatment plan for Amber.
We will continue to post recovery updates….

When you don’t know what to do, Pray. Pray until your situation changes. Miracles happen everyday.
Love to all of you from Amber and her family 🙏❤️

 

 

Pray for Bro. Darryl Miller’s family.  Both his parents are sick and living with one of their daughters.  Family members are taking turns caring for then.  Caregiving is a very hard job!

 

 

Please continue to pray for Howard Williams.  He had had ups and downs this week.  Howard is a brother to Rufus and Malone.

 

 

Please continue to pray for others in our area who are facing long-term sicknesses and their caregivers.

 

 

Today is a fantastic day to serve our mighty God!

Anna Lee

 

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Friday

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

~1 John 1:7 (NIV)~

 

 

Rhonda Howell Ward

Six cases of West Nile cases LA. 2 in EBR parish. One was me. Three are in hospital and can lead to death. Wow, thank you Lord.

 

Bobby Spinks

We have been asked a lot about my last hospital visit and I realized that I haven’t updated you guys, sorry 😂😂, more importantly, thank you for making me feel loved!!

My ultrasound revealed that I have only one detectable tumor.
The good news is that there is only the one.
The not as great news is that it is somewhat large. We were told to expect something about the size of a grain of rice or sesame seed. The tumor looks to be over an inch. This means a couple of things: I have probably had this for a long time (the most likely scenario) or it is growing rapidly. It also means that I will be able to keep the other parathyroid glands!!
The best news is that the size of the tumor will make it easier to find and remove in surgery which means less exploration.

I have a few more appointments and things to take care of prior to my surgery but I am excited to be parting ways with this little scallywag in the near future. Thanks for your prayers!!

 

 

Latest update from Amber Prine Ragan

Update (6:30 PM) The nurse just came out to talk to us. Amber is still in the final stage of surgery. She explained that Dr. Lang is in the final stages of closing her up. They should be finished within the next hour. Once they are finished we will meet with the surgeon to get the final report. We were told she would be in recovery for 1 – 2 hours before we would be able to see her. We have been so overwhelmed with all the comments, text and calls from all of our family and friends. Amber will love reading everyone’s comments. We feel your love for Amber but most of all we feel the POWER of your prayers. We will post another update tonight once we get more information from the surgeon.

“Always do what you are afraid to do.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

 

Allen Jay Dedon

Posted: Thursday, July 19, 2018

Crain Funeral Home

ALLEN JAY DEDON, AGE 13

Gained his Angel Wings July 18, 2018. Allen is amazing, he is a fighter and has a spirit for adventure, no tree is ever too high for Allen to climb and he loves playing sports. Allen fought osteosarcoma for 2 years and never once stopped smiling or joking and his favorite person to pick on was his mom, who he regularly made jokes about. Building things with his dad is always fun and no one can ever tell what the final result will be until it’s finished. Allen has a light so bright everyone sees it when they meet him and instantly falls in love with him.

Survived by:

Mom: Sheila Allen

Dad and Step-mom: Jay and Cass DeDon

Brothers: Gavin DeDon and Jordan DeDon

Step-Brother: Alex Florez

Step-Sister: Josey Florez

Maternal Grandmother: Mary Jane Allen

Paternal Grandparents: Charles and Linda DeDon

Paternal Great-grandmother: Sara DeDon

Also several aunts and uncles, numerous cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death recently by his paw paw Lonnie Allen.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Friday July 20th from 4 pm until 7 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 7 pm Friday with Rev. Darryl Miller and Rev. E.J. Didon officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers are Gavin DeDon, Jordan Dedon, Drew Roberts, Christopher Allen, Peyton Allen, Hayden Allen, Connor DeDon, Alex Florez, Jonah Holmes, Jaren Scivicque

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Allen DeDon Osteosarcoma Research Fund at https://donorbox.org/allensfund

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 1
  • Job 31
  • Ephesians 1

 

 

Mission Projects Day

  • Saturday, July 21
  • FBC, K Fellowship Hall
  • 9 A.M. – Noon
  • Everyone is invited
  • Making items for local and international missions
  • Bring fabric scissors or rotary cutter if you have them
  • Opportunity to get a shoe box and some items for it

 

 

Have a wonderful day as you “walk in the light”!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.

Anyone who does what is good is from God.

Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

~3 John 1:11~

 

 

 

Update on Yvonne Birch

 Yvonne had four by-passes yesterday morning.  She did well.  Continue to pray for her as she has some recovery time at the hospital and at home.  Thank-you for praying for her.

 

 

Update on Linda Callihan

Mom had her stitches removed and a good report from the oncology surgeon at MDA. The not so good side was this type of cancer is aggressive as it spreads like a virus. It can reappear anywhere in her body. Because of this, she will need 25 radiation treatments. We are working to schedule when the treatments will begin. Again, we appreciate all the prayers and support. – Robbie Lynn

 

 

Amber Prine Regan

Amber is a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a teacher as are some other members of her family.  Many of you will recognize the Prine name from her Osyka relatives.  She had a reoccurrence of cancer and will have a ten hour surgery at MD Anderson today.

 

 

Glenda Harrell

Glenda will have her surgery next Wednesday.  Please be praying for her.

 

 

Ann Hyde Ballard

February 11, 1933 – July 17, 2018

A resident of Roseland passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born February 11, 1933 in Chesbrough and was 85 years of age.

Ann was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all she knew. She began her career as a nurse and later went on to own and manage numerous family businesses.

She is survived by her daughter, Renee Ballard Durio and husband, Russell; 2 sons, Jimmy Ballard and wife, Aimee, and Freddie Carl Ballard and wife, Pearl; 12 grandchildren, Rachel Ballard, Robert Ballard, Leslie Cuti, Trenton Ballard, Jennifer Davenport, Keri Thornton, Bryan Saint, James Ballard, Josh Ballard, Logan Ballard, Baylor Blanchard, and Emilee Edwards; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Bill Hyde and wife, Mary; sister-in-law, Sally Higgins.

Preceded in death by husband, Freddie Ballard; parents, Charles and Ethel Hyde; 2 sisters, Rita Lea and Elizabeth Stevens; 2 brothers, Charles and Johnny Hyde.

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola from 9 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Bob Simpson. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Alan Didon of the Folsom area also passed away.  He was 13.  Bro. Darryl Miller had the privilege of telling him about Jesus and leading him to salvation as well as baptizing him about two weeks ago.  His arrangements are incomplete at this time.  Please be in prayer for the family.

 

 

 

Read the Bible 

  • Esther 9-10
  • Psalm 88
  • Galatians 6

 

 

Children in Action

A terrible thunder storm and heavy rain did not stop a room full of children for missions last night.  We worked to “do” missions for some local and international projects.

 

Mission Project Day

Saturday, from 9 – Noon, in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood, we will be doing more mission projects.  If you are available and interested in missions, please feel free to join us in making items we will be using for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

 

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

  • Tuesday at 11 A.M.
  • The Cafe
  • Celebrating July birthdays

 

 

Livia-and-The Hairclips

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-stories-livia-and-the-hairclips

 

 

I believe in prayer!  Join me in praying for these needs and for many other needs.  Pray also for missions and get involved in “doing” them in ways that you can.

Anna Lee