Category: Hope Center

Friday

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)~

This Scripture reminds me of some of the thoughts about fear Bro. Gibby McMillian shared last night at the cabin.

 

 

Koltyn Gafford

Koltyn made it to Children’s Hospital about 2:30 yesterday.  Pray for him and his family as he makes adjustments to all new people, new routine, and new therapy.

Kathy Jo Thompson

Kathy Jo will be having a new stent for her headaches this morning in N.J.

Ricky Edwards

Ricky is the husband of my former student, Cindy Knight of Amite.  He iw involved in an accident yesterday morning.  He was been hospitalized for observation, but thankfully was restrained and only has a broken sternum.  Unfortunately, the other driver was killed.

Ray Blackwell

Pray for Ray and his family during this difficult days.

Bobby Lawson

According to family members, Mr. Bobby has had a couple difficult days.  Please pray for all of them.

Hazel Smith

“Miss” Hazel is an amazing lady.  She is always upbeat.  Her four daughters are taking turns at her home and “just a cooking and cleaning”, as she puts it.  Thank God for families that are close and help when needed.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2915 – Isaiah 7-11

Thank-you for reading and praying.  I’m looking forward to Bible Study and Hope Center today.  It will be another great day!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Thursday

For I know the plans I have for you,”

declares the LORD, “

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

~Jeremiah 29:11 NIV~

 

Koltyn Gafford

Pray for Koltyn and his family as they transfer from Baton Rouge to New Orleans today. Koltyn will have rehab at Children’s Hospital.

Cush Shaw

Mrs. Kathryn called to tell me the date of her brother’s surgery.  On January 26th, he will be having a surgery to prevent serious problems.  The surgery will be long and complicated.  Begin now to pray for him and for his family.

Jimmy Schwartz

Pray for Jimmy as he continues to deal with some new cancers on his head.

Lauree Titus

Pray for Lauree as she battles seasonal health issues.

Gail Brister

Gail learned her broken nose from her recent fall is still in place so surgery will not be necessary.  Pray she continues to heal in a timely way.

Ann Weaver

Gail’s sister got a good report on what appeared to be a mass, but is not.  Thank God for this good report.

Mrs. Bernice Lee

Continue to pray for “Miss” Bernice and her family.  I learned yesterday that she is the oldest member of New Zion Baptist Church.  She is in Greensburg.

Thank-you!  Thank-you!  Thank-you!

Thank-you to all those who help with various mission projects.  Currently at FBC, K, we are receiving gifts for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, items for Hope Center, kitchen items for Camp Living Waters, and Operation Christmas Child.  In addition, gifts have been given to a missionary family and a young missionary teacher.  Thank-you to members who have a heart for missions and helping others in so many ways.

Support for Bereaved Families

This is one of those weeks when several people we have know have passed away.  First, we went to honor a friend a little older than David.  His family stuck close to him and helped him get through some difficult days.  Many friends lined up to show their love and support for the family at the funeral home.

Last night, we went to the wake for a younger man who passed away suddenly.  Again the lines were long and the support was overwhelming. Many of the people were also there for the wake earlier in the week.  I’ve never seen so many people stand in the cold and later the “Disney-style lines” back, forth, and around inside the whole funeral home for a couple more hours as I saw last night.  Love was again so apparent.

We have another friend who passed away this week.  Again, I expect long lines of friends who will be showing their love and respect.  As many of you know and I know too,  the love and encouragement of others means so much at a time such as this.  Let me say I am overwhelmed  with love for people of this area who take take and put forth such effort in times of death.  Keep on showing your love for others while they are living and to those who have lost a family member.

Third Thursday at the Cabin

We’re looking forward to having another gathering in the cabin at 6:30 tonight. We’ll be blessed by each of you who comes and joins in the Christian Fellowship.

Lottie Moon Offering

Baptist Press – https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/14aea12837efaa50

Friday Morning Bible Study

Tomorrow morning, we will be studying Proverbs 31.  You are invited to join us as we study these Scriptures.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Kindness Gone Viral” – http://odb.org/
  • Jesus loves all of us as little children.

    13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.                                                                                                     14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.                                                                                                     15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”     16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.                                                                                                               ~Mark 10: 13-16 NIV~   I pray that you…may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.                                                                                  ~Ephesians 3:17-18~ 

  • “Jesus Loves Me”  –   http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/j/e/s/u/jesuslme.htm        One of the special nights we have had is when we sang this and other songs as people from another country sang the same songs in their native language.  We had unity in Christ at the same time we had so many differences.  What a blessed experience!  What an experience that teaches us of the Christianity that unites us when so many things try to divide us.

Read the Bible in 2015 – Job 3-4

Thank-you for opening this blog, reading, and praying!  You make a difference in many lives!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever,

no matter what.”

~Psalm 119:112 CEV~

 

Please pray for Mrs. Bernice Lee, 94, of St. Helena Parish.  Her years are finally catching up with her.

Rev. John Gilbert, 92, a former director of Missions in this area, passed away.  His services will be Saturday in Franklinton.  He was loved by many people and made a difference in many lives.  He was the yearly entertainment at many Harvest Banquets at Roseland Baptist Church and a great friend to my family.

http://www.crainfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2902619&fh_id=13316

Two Rivers Associational Meeting

  • Tuesday, January 20th
  • 10:00 at Spring Creek Baptist Church in the new building
  • Rev. Ronnie Chiasson will be speaking on mission opportunities.
  • Please bring food that does not need to be reheated (sandwiches, salads, and desserts).
  • All ladies in the area are invited to attend.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Out of the Darkness” –  http://odb.org/
  • I cried out to God . . . .                                                                                           Who is so great a God as our God?                                                                                                         ~Psalm 77:1,13~                                                                 O Lord, how great are Thy works!                                                                                                               ~Psalm 92:5~
  • “How Great Thou Art” –  http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/h/o/w/how_great_Thou_art.htm                     Please take time to read the story of how/where this great hymn was written.

Lottie Moon Offering 

Thursday at 6:30

Join us at the cabin for supper, fellowship, and a devotional time.  The music is always so inspiring.  Bring a friend.

Hope Center is continuing to have a 50% off sale on winter clothing.

Camp Living Waters 

  • Needs kitchen items for five apartments (dishes, pots, appliances,  silverware, dish towels, casserole dishes, etc.)
  • Bring to FBC, Kentwood and leave in the stairwell area at the office entrance.
  • I’m setting a deadline of Monday.  If you need more time than that, please let me know.  Otherwise, I’m going to transport them to CLW’s.

Read the Bible in 2015 – Joshua 6-10

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+6-10

Thank-you so much for taking time to read and pray daily.  
Anna Lee

 

Saturday

“For a short time you have had to struggle in various trials

so that the genuineness of your faith…

may result in praise, glory, and honor

at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

~1 Peter 1:6b-7, HCSB~

 

This morning I want to share some opportunities we have to minister to others and to improve our Biblical knowledge.

 

Operation Christmas Child – January

Small, brown and white lunch bags are available in the hallway across from the kitchen at FBC, K.  Select a bag/bags as an individual or a group, fill it/them, and return it/them to the containers there some time this month.  Let’s get the year started on a good foot for children around the world.  I’m hoping for and expecting great things this year.

Camp Living Waters

CLWs is in need of some pots, dishes, small kitchen appliances, etc. to set up five kitchens.  If you can share some of the extras you have at your house, please bring them to the hallway by the stairway at the office entrance to FBC, K.  Your donations will be meaningful to those serving at the camp.

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

I was asked if it was too late to give this year.  No, it is NEVER too late.  The International Mission Board will accept and appreciate funds at any time of the years, even though we focus on it at this time.  One hundred precent (100%) of the money they receive is used for missionary needs and ministries.

Two Rivers Associational WMU

The next quarterly meeting will be Tuesday, January 20th at Spring Creek Baptist Church at 10:00 A.M.  Rev. Ronnie Chaisson, our BASLA care minister, will be sharing mission opportunities we have.  Bring a covered dish that does not need to be reheated and meet in the new church building.

Hope Center

Hope Center is having a 50% off sale on all winter clothing, including coats.   I witnessed some happy people getting some good deals on clothing they will be able to use immediately.  Two men came and bought winter clothing for work and left with big smiles.  I was told a lady who comes in at least once a week came in and bought winter coats for all her grandchildren.  The sale also includes long-sleeved shirts and sweaters.

Yesterday, as a food distribution day there.  At this time 360 families are receiving food each month.  The food pantry has been a needed ministry to many people.  The quality of the goods distributed has greatly improved since this ministry has started.

Read the Bible in One Year – Matthew 1-2

Friday Morning Bible Study

Despite the cold weather, we had a nice turnout yesterday.  Our next meeting will be Friday at FBC, K at 10:00.  We will be studying the Proverbs 31 woman.  I think we can all admire the traits listed in the Bible and strive to improve.  If you need a study guide, please see me for one.

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 

Our next lunch/party will be on January 27th at 11:00 at The Cafe.  We will be celebrating the birthdays of those who had birthdays in December and January.  If you need more information, please ask.  I’ll post a list of those being honored later.

Meal for the BCM at SLU

In March, we will have our yearly opportunity to prepare and serve a meal for about 150 students.  They are blessed by the meal and the devotional led by Bro. Michael.  We are blessed by the many well-mannered students who are so thankful to have such a nice meal each week.  I know the meals attract students to the BCM.  They have been doing that for many years.  David, Jennie, Jason, and I all have eaten a number of meals there while we were students.

Ladies’ Night

A planning meeting for the next ladies’ night be be help on the afternoon of Sunday, January 18th.  If you are interested in helping in any way, please try to attend.

Our ladies’ night will be Thursday, February 26th at 6:15.  I hope you plan to be there. You do not have to be a member of FBC, Kentwood.  If a group from another church plans to attend, it would be helpful to have a headcount, if that is possible.

More information will be available after the planning meeting….

I know the information I provided today does not include everything involving all groups, but that information is available by contacting the church office at 229-8111.

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “Too Late to Change?” – http://odb.org/2015/01/10/too-late-to-change/
  • Nicodemus said to [Jesus],                                                                               “How can a man be born when he is old?”                                                                                                                      ~John 3:4~                                                         “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,             that whoever believes in Him should not perish                                           but have everlasting life”                                                                                                                                                                                                 ~John 3:16~
  • “Jesus Loves Me” –  This is simple, but think carefully about it.

Spend some time checking on/sharing with/ helping someone today.  You’ll be blessed!

Anna Lee

 

Wednesday

“Then He who sat on the throne said,

‘Behold, I make all things new.'”

~Revelation 21:5a, NKJV~

 

Hope Center is beginning a 50% off sale on winter and Christmas items today.  They will be open for 9-5 Monday through Friday.

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Priceless Partnership”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12189&LanguageID=1709#.VK0CsGTF-mE

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

This is exactly the kind of devotional I wanted to share today.  It was the first one I                      opened this morning!  Read the next two sentences I wrote when I opened this                              blank post.

This season of the year and the weather makes is a difficult time for many                                       people.  Please check on those you know who may need extra help on the cold                             night ahead of us.

Read the Bible in a Year Daily Bible Reading – Psalm 1-2

Don’t forget to check on “Others” today!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Do not lie to each other,

since you have taken off your old self with its practices

and have put on the new self,

which is being renewed in knowledge

in the image of its Creator.

~Colossians 3: 9-10 (NIV)~

Koltyn Gafford (Written by his dad about midnight)

Today has been an exciting and stressful day. We stopped sedation at 8:30 and he began to come to, then Koltyn got his ventilator tube taken out around 10:00 and seem to be doing fine for a lil while. We had a few breathing issues so Doc. decided to place him on Bipap just to help him a lil more. He still gets agitated easily & needs medication to relax him. Please continue to pray that his transition is a smooth one.

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss is improving from her recent fall.  She hopes to get out a little later in the week and to be at church next Sunday.  Keep praying for her complete recovery.

“Miss” Kathryn’s brother, Mr. Cush Shaw of Hammond, will soon be having surgery for a spinal problem.  Pray he gets some relief.  Pray for the medical staff who will be involved with his surgery.

Mrs. Hazel Smith’s surgery is scheduled for Monday morning.  If all goes well, this will be out-patient surgery.  “Miss” Hazels daughters are taking good care of her.

Food for Convenience of Two Families 

  • Bring to my classroom this morning.  The food will be delivered today.
  • Family 1 – Quart-size bags of one dish meals and sugarless desserts
  • Family 2 – Fresh or fresh frozen fruits and vegetable (not chemically processed)

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

The Hope Center will reopen Tuesday morning at 9:00.

Operation Christmas Child 

  • Check the table across from the kitchen in the area of the fellowship hall.
  • Get a bag, for your class or family, to fill this month.
  • Repeat the process for ten months.

Thom S. Rainer’s “Top 14 Posts of 2014”

http://thomrainer.com/2014/12/31/top-14-posts-2014-top-5/

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Daily Bible Reading for Sunday

Romans 1-2

I hope you will find your way to a church where you feel comfortable, blessed, and “fed” today.  

Anna Lee

Friday

“Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.

The former things will not be remembered,

nor will they come to mind.

~Isaiah 65:17 NIV~

 

God is still working in Jadon’s life.  He has now been SEIZURE FREE for THREE YEARS!  I thank God for this miracle and the testimony his family is so free to share.  I got to give his mother another hug Sunday and watch Jadon at play for a couple minutes.  God has been so faithful to this family as they have been faithful to Him!

Continue to pray for Koltyn and his family.  They have received a tremendous amount of prayer and financial support from their friends and community.  I thank God for all those you are praying and working for this special cause.

Please remember Mrs. Hazel Smith in your prayers.  She’s scheduled for surgery Monday in Hammond.

Please also remember Mr. Bobby Lawson in your prayers.  He is at home.

Check out the Operation Christmas Child Facebook page to see photos of children around the world as they receive their “shoeboxes”.  Read the stories and have your heart blessed.  FBC, Kentwood will begin Operation Christmas Child 2015 Sunday.  You, as individuals or groups, will have the opportunity for the next ten months to bring suggested items for the shoeboxes that will be packed at the for 2015.  Check out the OCC center in the fellowship hall at church.  Take the first step by selecting a bag.  Fill it as indicated and return it within the month of January.

Sunday is also frozen food day.  Bring quart size bags of frozen food to my classroom before Sunday School.  The food will be distributed to families that day!

Hope Center will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 – 5:00 and Saturday from 9:00 – 1:00.  Let me know if you would like to volunteer on a regular basis or periodically.  I’ll get you on the schedule.

Devotional, Scriptures, and Songs

  • “Where are You? – http://odb.org/2015/01/02/where-are-you/
  • The Lord God . . . said to him,                                                                             “Where are you?”                                                                                                                                      ~Genesis 3:9~                                                                                                                                                                                                                             God, be merciful to me a sinner!                                                                                                                    ~Luke 18:13~                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Though your sins are like scarlet,                                                                         they shall be white as snow.                                                                                                                             ~Isaiah 1:18~             
    They have washed their robes                                                                                  and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.                                                                                                       ~ Revelation 7:14~
  • “There is Power in the Blood” –   http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/h/therepow.htm                                                                                                                                                                                               “Jesus Paid it All” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/p/jpaidall.htm

I trust you are counting your blessings/answered prayers/etc. each day and hope you are keeping a jar of them to add to daily.  How wonderful it will be to look back on them at the end of 2015.  My jar simply says “2015”.  I hope you get started if you have not already done so.

Daily Bible Reading

  •  Friday, January 23, 2015
  • Prophecy & Revelation
  • Isaiah 18-22

Anna Lee

Friday

I tried to publish this just before 5:00 this morning, but the rain kept the satellite from working at that time.  I think the worst of the rain is past for now.

The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.

We observed His glory,

the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father,

full of grace and truth.

~John 1:14, HCSB~

 

Please continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor.  They are doing a little better, but still are not well.

Miss Fay Shoemaker is scheduled to return to Kentwood today.  Pray for continued improvement following surgery.

Mr. Bobby Lawson is still at home.  Keep him in your prayers.

Melissa Simpson has developed shingles.  Pray she will have a light case.

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss continues to improve following her fall a week ago.  Pray for her to be better soon.

Please continue to pray for Mr. Alan Ray Blackwell and his family.

The Hope Center in Roseland will be open Tuesday and Wednesday next week and reopen January 6th after the holidays.

We will have our last Friday Morning Bible Study for 2014 this morning.  What a blessing it has been to be involved with this group studying the Women of the Bible.  I look forward to picking up again in January.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

“Tending the Fire” – http://www.commissionstories.com/asia/interactives/view/plenty-of-work-to-tend-the-fire-in-South-Asia?cid=imbel

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – FBC, Kentwood is working on filling in the fourth section of our candy cane poster.

Devotional, Scripture, Quote, and a Song

  • “The Heart of Christmas” – http://odb.org/
  • The grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant,                                                                             with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.                                                                                                                                                                ~1 Timothy 1:14~
  • “Tell Me the Story of Jesus” – http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Tell_Me_the_Story_of_Jesus/

I heard Mr. Harlon Toney tell about this song about three weeks ago, so I asked him to repeat it last night.  He told how the first verse tells of Jesus’ birth.  The second verse tells of Jesus’ life.  Verse three is about the death, while the fourth verse tells of the resurrection and heaven.  I had never had this pointed out to me exactly this way.  If you take time to go back and read or sing each verse, you will get a complete story about Jesus.

Be careful on this rainy day!   Even a rainy day is about Jesus!  Keep Him a part of your whole day.

Anna Lee

Thursday

In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;

we trusted in him, and he saved us.

This is the LORD, we trusted in him;

let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

~Isaiah 25:9~

 

Mrs. Alice Faye Lee fell Tuesday night and broke her shoulder.  She saw a specialist in Baton Rouge yesterday.  Pray for her as she heals.
Clinton H. “Bud” Callihan, Sr.

Born: May 19, 1929
Died: December 16, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2865611&fh_id=10545

Shared by my friend, Carol Bennett Sealey, who worked processing “shoeboxes” in Atlanta last week:

Just learned that yesterday the Atlanta Processing Center finished processing 1,445,117 boxes for 2014. Wow!!! That’s a lot of souls that will be touched and witnessed to. I am so excited that I was able to be a part of a group from our church that went and participated in this awesome event.

Spring Creek Baptist Church Drama Team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEoX9X46W0k&sns=fb

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

  •  Sunday, at FBC, Kentwood, we will have a missions march to show support for missionaries.  Gifts can be received at that time or later.
  • Quotes from Lottie’s time in China
    • “What we need in China is more workers. The harvest is very great, the laborers, oh! So few. Why does the Southern Baptist church lag behind in this great work?”
      Nov. 1, 1873, Tungchow
    •  “How many there are … who imagine that because Jesus paid it all, they need pay nothing, forgetting that the prime object of their salvation was that they should follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in bringing back a lost world to God.”
      Sept. 15, 1887, Tungchow
    • “Why should we not … instead of the paltry offerings we make, do something that will prove that we are really in earnest in claiming to be followers of him who, though he was rich, for our sake became poor?”
      Sept. 15, 1887, Tungchow

Third Thursday (TONIGHT) – Tonight at 6:30 at the Alford cabin

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • Tomorrow at 10:00
  • Studying Lois and Eunice
  • Acts 16:1-3 &  2 Timothy 1:1-8

Pregnancy Testing, Questions Answered, Information Shared 

  • Friday (9:00-4:00)
  • The vehicle will be parked at Hope Center on Highway 51 in Roseland.

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Share the spirit of Christmas and the true reason for Christmas with someone today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

 

“Even Elizabeth your relative

is going to have a child in her old age,

and she who was said to be barren

is in her sixth month.

For nothing is impossible with God.”

~Luke 1:36-37~

 

Pray for Karen Miller’s family as they lay her mother to rest today and for Gretchen Simpson’s family as they prepare for Marty’s services later.

Randy “Duke” Ficklin

Born: October 14, 1957
Died: December 04, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2850115&fh_id=10545

Charles Cole Hayes

Born: October 23, 1994
Died: December 03, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2850186&fh_id=10545

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 7

“Scripture Planting is Key” – http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13047&LanguageID=1709

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Better than Before” – http://odb.org/2014/12/06/better-than-before/
  • [Naaman’s] flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child.                                                                                                                ~2 Kings 5:14~                                                                                                                                                                  “Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.”                                                                                                   ~ 1 Chronicles 16:10~              
  • “More about Jesus” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/o/morabout.htm

Stop by Hope Center between 9 and 1 today.  We would love to see you.  See our new truck back-up drive.  Yesterday was a great day of giving food to many families.

Pray for your church members as they prepare for Christmas programs of various natures.  May each one be used as a special message to someone who is searching for the real meaning of Christmas.  May they learn the “Jesus is the ONLY reason for the season!”.

Anna Lee