Category: FBC

Monday Addition

Operation Christmas Child

Wednesday

“With men this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible.”

~Matthew 19:26~

Thank God for the rain and for the cooler temperatures we should have soon.

Brenda D. Bryant’s doctor determined she needs to have by-pass surgery, not just an additional stent.  Surgery was scheduled for Friday, but has been moved up to today.  Please be in prayer for Brenda, the medical staff, and the family.

Pray for Jason Dean as he continues to seek relief for his back pain.

Stacey Scarle was scheduled for chemo this week, but that has been put on hold for now because Stacey is sick.  Pray for her to feel better so her last chemo before surgery can be scheduled.

FIRST-PERSON: Eyes on the prize
Lisa Huddleston

Baptist Press

My husband, who is a federal employee, didn’t have to go to work on Columbus Day, which sort of made Tuesday into Monday, if you get my drift.

To complicate matters further, Chuck works at two different offices — one in Nashville and the other in Murfreesboro — so he is constantly having to remember where he is going when he leaves the house every morning.

This confusion (and the fact that we are both growing older) caused him to worry that he might head off in the wrong direction that Tuesday morning. Therefore, my parting words to him were, “Remember where you’re going.”

After he left, those words kept playing through my mind. They were a great reminder for me as well as for Chuck, even though I wasn’t physically going anywhere. As I pondered this thought over the following days, I saw more and more application for their truth.

We all need to have a destination in sight. We all need to remember where we’re going.

But that seems to be a problem for many of us. We seem to travel through life without direction. Is it any wonder that we take so many turns that lead us down dead ends and unpaved rabbit trails? Every pothole can seem like the end of the road. Every flat tire points to an impossible failure. We can’t see beyond the moment because we have our eyes fixed on our latest discouragement or catastrophe. We are nearsighted drivers without a map to direct our journey.

As I considered the importance of keeping my eyes on the prize, two very opposite examples were playing out on the nation’s television screens.

The first scenario was the terrible tragedy of the young college student who took his life after being humiliated. Two other college students filmed him in a sexual encounter with another young man and posted the whole thing on the Internet. As you might expect, he was devastated. But the real tragedy was that he couldn’t see beyond that moment. He didn’t know there was more to come and that he wouldn’t be stuck in that terrible spot forever. He couldn’t see that there was still a future that could carry him past his pain, so he chose to end his journey.

The second story was a much happier one — the rescue of the miners in Chile. Trapped for more than two months in the tomb-like prison of their collapsed mine, they were able to keep their thoughts on the future. They sent notes to their families; they dreamed of breathing the fresh air of freedom; and they kept hope alive. I imagine it would have been very easy to give up especially in the first days when no help appeared to be coming.

Yet they survived, and their joyful faces proved to be shining examples of what it looks like to reach your destination — the joy of hope fulfilled.

What a contrast! What a difference hope makes. But that’s what faith does for us. It’s the light at the end of the dark tunnel, the promise of things to come. “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen,” Hebrews 11:1 tells us.

As believers in Christ, our faith is sure, as real in our present troubles as it will be in the future. We can trust that the finish line is there and we can keep our eyes fixed upon it, even in our most desperate situations.

Did you watch as one of the miners fell to his knees as he exited the pod and thanked God for his rescue? I don’t know about you, but I want to keep that image in my mental photo album for the next time I feel hopeless. It will help me fix my eyes on the prize — Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of my race. I hope He is yours. If so, remember where you’re going. The destination makes every moment of your journey worth the trip.

(Lisa Huddleston is a writer who lives with her husband Chuck, their three kids, two dogs and two cats on a farm near Lebanon, Tenn.)

Saturday, FBC Kentwood will have On Mission in Kentwood.  If you, or someone you know, needs some help in your house or yard, please contact the church at 229-8111.  If you would like to help serve others in our community, be at the church for 8 A.M.  Working together to help others will make your day!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

~Philippians 1:3 (NIV)~

CaringBridge

Continue to pray for the following people as they recovery from surgery/hospital stay:

  • Jimmy Tolar
  • Avis Sullivan
  • Lois Bridges
  • Micah Tolleson
  • Mason Carter

Pray for Erin Evanoff as she has rescheduled surgery for Monday.

Pray for Jason Dean as he continues to try to get help for his back.

Testimonials

Why OUR church gives to the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.

“… Participating in the state missions offering is fundamental to our mission strategy. Jesus, before His ascension declared ‘You shall be witnesses to me, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). We are to start where we are … that means evangelizing Louisiana.” – Steve Horn, First Baptist Church, Lafayette

“… because of your faithfulness, our people are now interested in missions and ministering to others. The faithfulness of Louisiana Baptists set the example for our people to be faithful in their own giving.” – Randy Boyett, Thompson Road Baptist Church, Slidell (Church plant constituted spring, 2010)

“Our church is concerned that every person in Louisiana has the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. While we can’t personally maintain a presence in every area of our state, however, through our prayers and gifts to the state missions offering, we can have a part ….” – Neil Everett, First Baptist Church, Calhoun

“We give to the state missions offering because this offering helps with the mission’s efforts of our own association and church. Funds have assisted with the support of our Hispanic ministry, food ministries, and Beauregard CWJC. We are part of Louisiana missions through our state mission gifts. – Alan Knuckles, Pleasant Hill, DeRidder

“Many of the churches and missions around us in South Louisiana are able to share Christ because of the faithfulness of God’s people as they gave to the offering. We give to the state mission offering because we want to partner in taking the Gospel to our state, to be a blessing, and to be blessed as we seek to be faithful to our God.” – Waylon Bailey, First Baptist Church, Covington

Have a very special Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“A fool gives vent to his anger

but a wise man keeps himself under control.”

~Proverbs 29:11 (NIV)~

From one of Annette’s classmates

Please pray for Annette Jones Fucich . She is still in ICU at OLOL after a wreck earlier this week. She graduated from OFA 1984. Her children go to Central Private.CaringBridge

Pray for Whitney Kliesch.  His dad said it looks like he will be released from the military due to the injuries he received in his fall.  This is a big disappointment for Whitney who hope to complete three more years and then become a teacher in the military.  Pray for Whitney as he accepts this unplanned change in his career.  Pray will will soon reveal to Whitney what His plans for Whitney are.  The family is very appreciative of your prayers.

From Bro. Joey concerning Brett and Danielle Thornton

Hello everyone!  I hope that you are all doing well.  Most of you know that Danielle and I have been making preperations to return to Alberta, Canada to work with Big Rock Baptist Church in the city of Okotoks.  I wanted to let you all know that we will be beginning our trip up, Lord willing, on October 3 and will hopefully be arriving in Canada on October 8.  Please be in prayer for our trip up and for getting through Canadian Customs and Immigration as well as for the beginning of a new chapter in our lives and in the life of Big Rock Baptist Church.
Some of you have asked for contact info for us in Canada.  So here it is:
Mailing Address:
Brett and Danielle Thornton
c/o Ray Lepage

304 Cimarron Blvd.

Okotoks, Alberta

T1S 2H2   CANADA

Please note that “CANADA” must be spelled in all capital lettes or it will probably be sent back

A reminder:  if you are sending support checks, please make them out to “Big Rock Baptist Church” and put “Brett Thornton support” in the memo line.  Those should be sent to the church’s mailing address which is:

Big Rock Baptist Church

PO Box 1327

Okotoks, Alberta

T1S 1B3    CANADA

Our cell numbers once we’re in Canada will be:

Brett:  403-422-4815

Danielle:  403-422-4816

We will try to send updates about once a month to let you all know how things are going with us.  We also look forward to hearing from all of you.  God’s grace and peace be with you all.

–eta (brett thornton)

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

V. P. BLACK MADE the following observation…


“When David went against the Philistines and defeated them he returned home.  The

women came out of the cities of Israel singing and dancing and saying, ‘Saul has

slain his thousands, but David has slain his ten thousands.’  When Saul heard the

first part of the song, his heart was lifted up with pride, for they were singing, ‘Saul

has slain his thousands.’  But there was a second stanza.  The first stanza was no

doubt the sweetest music that Saul had ever heard.  He got ready for the second

stanza, and the second stanza went like this, ‘But David has slain his ten thousands.’

From that day forward Saul began to envy David.”

What a great team Saul and David could have been.  However, envy got into the way.

Let’s be sure that we don’t let the second stanza ruin our song. Wade L. Webster, “

The Second Stanza,” Riches From My Reading — The Searcher, Sept. 19, 2010

“Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?”

Proverbs 27:4


Have a satisfying Saturday!

Anna Lee

Sunday Addition – Week of Prayer

The Many Faces of Louisiana Missions

Week of Prayer for State Missions – September 12-19, 2010

Goal for FBC, Kentwood: $8,000.00

Day 1

New Hope Baptist Church, Jennings

Louis Charrier, Church Planter

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways and He will guide you on the right paths.”

New-Hope-02In the beginning children were the focus of the ministry that now bears the name New Hope Baptist Church. Trusting in the Lord has led this mission church from those days of teaching in a gutted-out school bus to the completion of a beautiful worship center in late spring 2010.  This church is now home to families, many of them still related to those first children.

Volunteers from several Louisiana churches, working through the Mission Builder program, joined with this church family to build the new worship center. This cooperation maximized the grants from the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering, making this building possible.

As we pray for New Hope and similar mission churches in our state, each one making steady growth, pray specifically for:

  • The new pastor and his family who came to the field in Summer 2010;
  • A much-needed youth leader to assist in reaching families, discipling and teaching youth;
  • Leadership training opportunities; and
  • Pastor Charrier and his family as he continues in the multi-tasking ministry of church planting.

In 2009-2010 Louisiana Baptist Mission Builders helped to build 12 new mission churches, involving volunteers from Louisiana and 30 other states.

Tuesday

Therefore, accept each other

in the same way that Christ accepted you.

He did this to bring glory to God.

~Romans 15:7 (GW)~

Frances Gay said her niece in Texas did very well with her surgery.  Say a prayer of thanks for this good report.

Whitney Kliesch will arrive home today.  Pray for him as he continues to recover from his fall.

Prayers are still needed for Caroline Crouch and her family.

CaringBridge – Callie Cole

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal?jid=6016627

Pray for Kentwood’s senior adults as they travel to Wesson for lunch today.  Pray for safe travel and bonding experiences.

mail.jpg

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

BE A FRAGRANT aroma…

Perfume short-circuits the intellect and captures the heart.  Influence nonbelievers like perfume influences you!  We’re talking about something aesthetically pleasing.  The “redemptive neighbor” is winsome.  He has a distinctive, attractive fragrance which stands out from the aromas of this world.  He’s the aroma of life to those who believe, and the aroma of death to those who reject Christ.  The only essence that captures attention comes from the Father.  We’re to be God-scented people!  Joseph C. Aldrich, “Seeing is Believing,” Gentle Persuasion, 55-56

“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ

among those who are being saved

and among those who are perishing.

To the one we are the aroma of death,

and to the other the aroma of life to life.

And who is sufficient for these things?”

2 Corinthians 2:15-16

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

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

Even though Kentwood was without electricity earlier this morning, the power was back on in time for Sunday School and church.  I heard some ladies discussing a comment by an older, and very wise, Kentwood lady.  She said if we can go to work on Monday in the rain, there shouldn’t be any reason not to go to church on Sunday in the rain. I hope you agree and made your way to a house of worship today.

Caroline Crouch

Caroline is now home and seems to feel a little better. Her condition is still very serious. She is vulnerable to infection due to her suppressed immune system. It will be at least a couple of weeks before we can tell if treatment is working. Please continue prayers! Thanks and God Bless!Mr. Clifton Womack continues to improve.  Pray for him as he gets rehab.

Ellen Morris Vande Vuss will have another test this week.  Pray for her family as them make adjustments for the coming months while Ellen is not able to drive.

Pray for Lois Pittman as she has tests done and sees a doctor about the test results.  Pray for the Pittman family as Roger has another brother who is sick.

Pray for Bonnie K. Kelsey as she faces surgery in September.

Continue to pray for teachers and students at school.  “Change” seems to be an important work in several schools this year.

Tuesday

“Love always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

Love never fails.”

~ 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 (NIV)~

Robert Frohn is doing better and is now in a regular hospital room at North Oaks.  Continue to pray for him and his family as he “walks the long road” to recovery.

Many of you know Rev. David Cutrer who works with McKneely Funeral Home.  His wife, Rhonda Cutrer, had is hospitalized at North Oaks following surgery.  Pray for her as she recovers.

Rachel Morris Muth is recovering well from her surgery last week.  Pray she continues to improve.

The mission team from FBC, Amite made it safely home.  The mission team from FBC, Kentwood will travel home today.  Thank God for those willing to give of themselves to help others learn about Jesus.

Alfred Henry Fields, III
(March 30, 1972 – August 1, 2010)

Alfred Henry Fields, III was born March 30, 1972 and passed away at 8:40 p.m. at Riverside Medical Center, Franklinton. He was 38, a native of Tokyo, Japan and a resident of Kentwood.

Alfred is survived by his fiancé’, Kim Kimble, Kentwood; mother, Helen S. Williams, Roseland; 4 children, Breanna Fields, Seth Fields, Britany Kimble and Lindsey Kimble all of Kentwood; brother, Patrick Henry Fields and wife Vicky, Roseland; 2 sisters, Kathy H. Tullos and husband, Sammy “Bo”, Amite and Shirley Hammond, Spencer, NY; Kim’s parents, Jimmie and Ellen Lowe, Kentwood.

Preceded in death by his father, Alfred Henry Fields, Jr. and grandparents, Luther & Irma Slade.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, August 6, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. until Religious Services in the funeral home Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Interment in the family cemetery near Wilmer.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W (Exit 46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Mrs. Melba O’Bryant Miller
(August 26, 1919 – July 29, 2010)

Mrs. Melba O’Bryant Miller a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, was born August 26, 1919 and passed away at 10:10 p.m., Thursday, July 29, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 90, a native of Warnerton, LA and a resident of Roseland. She loved gardening, cooking and family. She retired from Northlake Support and Services Center where she had a real love for the children at the center.

Mrs. Melba is survived by 2 daughters, Bobbie Miller Coyle, Roseland and Jean Miller Duncan and husband, Donald, Clinton; a son, Robert Russell Miller, Mt. Hermon; 2 grandsons, Keith Wood, St. Francisville, Jason Miller, Mt. Hermon; 7 granddaughters, Tammy Bradley, Zachary, Kathy Wade, Clinton, Jennifer Day, Zachary, Alisa Piar, Chesterton, IN, Johnna Jenkins, Franklinton, Rebekah Falgout, Mt. Hermon and Julie Singley, Mt. Hermon; 19 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elisha and Lela Whittington O’Bryant; 3 sisters, Eltra O. Pierce, Elvita O. Whittington and Bonnie O. Smith.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. until Religious Services at 2:00 p.m in the funeral home Chapel. Interment in the Mt. Pisgah Church Cemetery, Washington Parish, LA.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W (Exit 46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Devotional

http://www.forthright.net/kneemail/2010/07/contrast.html

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Love knows no limit to its endurance,

no end to its trust,

no fading to its hope.

It can really outlast anything.”

~1 Corinthians 13:7 (Phillips)~

Please pray for Carolyn Nettles.  She has been having problems with maintaining her sugar level in an acceptable range.  Pray she gets better soon.

Frances Gay got another good report last week.  Join her in celebrating this lab report and in retiring again from being a school librarian,

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell has been hospitalized in Covington.  Pray for her, her family, and those taking care of her.

Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby got the lab results from her recent surgery.  She has a problem that will require seeing an oncologist this week.  Please pray for her and her family.

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough continues to be in Our Lady of the Lake, but hopes to be home soon.  Continue to pray for her.

Mrs. Katherine Sanders is still feeling “under the weather”.  Pray her her and those caring for her.  Some of her days are better than others.  Yesterday was a good day.

The members of FBC, Amite who went to Mexico on the mission trip made it home safely.  Thank God for their willingness to go and for the people them ministered to. May their trip make a heavenly difference for many.

The mission team that included some members of FBC, Kentwood is scheduled to return tomorrow.  Pray for them as they complete their work and return home tomorrow.

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggieleehenson/journal?jid=5885181

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
AUGUST 2, 2010

“Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.” (Psalm 67:5)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Head of Government Foua Toloa of Tokelau (central Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and New Zealand).

Prayer requests from Eddie Cox, director of IMB’s Office of Global Prayer Strategy, to “Today’s Prayer” intercessors:

Today I would like to focus your thoughts and prayers on our numerous statesiding IMB missionaries. They will deeply appreciate your prayers.

Thank God for their commitment to the Lord, faith-filled response to His call on their lives, reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, and determination to do everything possible to reach their people group for Christ.

Please pray for them as they have opportunities to share about their overseas ministries in churches throughout the summer months. Ask God to burden the hearts of Southern Baptists for the unengaged and unreached peoples. May many answer God’s call to go, to pray, and to give.

Intercede for MKs (missionary kids) who are in the States this summer either for stateside assignment or for vacation. Thank God for their faithful ministries overseas. Ask God to richly bless their time with friends and family.

Join in prayer with a portion of IMB’s statesiding missionaries who are seeking a word from the Lord concerning future overseas ministry. Concerns for the care of aging parents, child education issues, personal health matters, etc., have caused them to wonder if God is calling them to remain in the States at this time. Your prayers for clear direction from God would be greatly appreciated.

May God richly bless you as you kneel before Him today.

Most sincerely,
Eddie Cox

Have a great week.  Be very careful in this hot, humid weather.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Even if my mother and father forsake me,

the Lord will receive me.”

Psalm 27:10

Pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough who will be having surgery Thursday.

Pray for Ellen Morris vande Vuss who will be having kidney stones blasted today.

Pray for Mrs. Katherine Sanders.  She has been “under the weather”.

CaringBridge

Mission Team News

  • The Amite team had 70 in VBS yesterday.
  • The Canadian team (Miranda Erwin and others) had camp in the morning and did service projects in the afternoon
  • The Kentwood team is scheduled for VBS this morning and youth rally tonight.

Continue to pray for the Muse family today.

From Judy McElveen

Thank you for your prayers for my cousin, Frank and his family. God has released him from his pain. Our God is an awesome God.

Baptist Press Stories for Jul. 26, 2010
—————————————
Tony Dungy: From Super Bowl coach to ‘All Pro Dad’
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33409
All Pro Dad shows Dungy’s personal side
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33410
Ex-NFL player to teens: Shine amid darkness
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33411
Coast Guard pilot is online seminarian
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33412
Groups call Justice Department’s defense of Day of Prayer inadequate
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33413
FIRST-PERSON: Atheism among scientists
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33414

Enjoy a cooler day today!

Anna Lee