Category: Missions

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

 

Friday

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

he is a new creation;

the old has gone,

the new has come!

~2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV~

 

Macy Gueldner (Written by her mother)

Macy’s counts are back up, so she had her LONG day of chemo today. I’m very thankful that my mom was able to bring her, so I can keep working. They just got home, and Macy is in a fantastic mood. I know that she is going to be very happy back at school tomorrow. It’d be better than awesome if we could keep all germs away from school… haha, wishful thinking!

I saw my neurosurgeon yesterday, and he was very happy with my progress, and so am I! I’m finally almost healed! Although, today’s weather has me in more pain than I’ve had since November… BUT it’s not nearly as bad as it had been, so I’ll take it!!

Everyone that knows me, knows that I have a severe intolerance for cold, and now that I have hardware in my neck, I LOATH it!!! Mother Nature, I’m calling MERCY!!

Disaster Relief Training

  • http://louisianabaptists.org/dr-sunday
  • After you read about the work done, go to the section on training in Hammond for more information.
  • Sign up if you feel God can use you this way.
  • You can also decertify at the training.

“Do Something” Information from First Baptist Church, Lafayette.

  • Pray about what you, your church, and your friends can do.
  • “Do Something!”

Operation Christmas Child

  1. Pick up your “lunch bags” from the table across from the kitchen at FBC,K.
  2. Purchase the items yourself or as a group.
  3. Turn the bag in by depositing it in the containers under the same table.
  4. Be on the lookout for the items  requested in February.

Thank-you!

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Lottie Moon Offering

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Love Letters” – odb.org
  • Oh, how I love Your law!                                                                                     It is my meditation all the day.                                                                                                            ~Psalm 119:97~                                                                       
         Because He first loved us.                                                                                                                       ~ 1 John 4:19~

Read the Bible in 2015 – Isaiah 1-6

Thursday

“Bear one another’s burdens,

and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

~Galatians 6:2, NKJV~

 

I hope all of you have water, not broken pipes, this morning.  We are doing well, thanks to my husband.  Old Man Winter surely is giving us a cold morning.

Mrs. Maxine Turner is in Specialty Rehab at Hammond.  Her sister, Frances, is at Landmark Nursing Home waiting for her sister’s return.  Pray for them.

Mrs. Hazel Smith is home and doing well.  She goes to the doctor tomorrow for a check-up and for information about her options.  She’s blessed to have four daughters and their families who are very attentive to her needs.  Keep this sweet lady in your prayers.

Pray for Jimmy Schwartz and Bobby Lawson.  Both are at their homes in Kentwood.

Pray for Joe and Jean Easley.  He is doing better than her right now.  They are at home in the New Zion area.

Pray for Kathy Jo Thompson as she is in NJ today to see a doctor about the continuous headaches she is experiencing.

Johnnie “Lil Man” Santangello got a good report in Arizona yesterday.  Thank God for that.

Porgie Scarle of Fluker is having some difficult days.  His family is sticking close and helping each other as families should.

National Day of Prayer – Louisiana

  • http://stevehorn.org/2015_01_06/great-opportunities-for-louisiana-baptists-in-january/
  • …. on January 24, 2015, thousands will gather in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for The Response, a day of repentance, fasting, and prayer hosted by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Churches from every denomination, all over Louisiana will gather at Pete Maravich Assembly Center at LSU, in Baton Rouge, LA., others in large and small groups will participate across the country via satellite and live web casts to Worship and Pray. There will be no personal promotion or hype, and no product or food sales. It is a time for seriously seeking God and His forgiveness, asking Him to show mercy for our nation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ~National Day of Prayer – Louisiana (on Facebook)~

This event begins at 10 A.M. and continues into the afternoon.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

  • “As Ebola fears persist, churches keep reaching W. Africa”
  • “Atlanta fire chief fired over pro-family book”
  • “Resolve to Read the Bible”
  • “Four Considerations for Southern Baptist Churches”
  • Etc.

Lottie Moon Offering

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Bible Study – Women of the Bible

  • “Huldah”
  • Tomorrow at 10:00 A.M.
  • Fellowship Hall of FBC, K

Read the Bible in 2015 – Job 1-2

Stay  warm.  This will be a good day to do some extra reading in your Bible or on some of the links I have posted.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon Addition

Koltyn Gafford (Written by his dad)

Update 1/7/15 9:00am Koltyn had a better night. His oxygen has been discontinued. We were told that he has suffered a significant brain injury from the accident. As devastating as that is to hear we know that God is in the healing and miracle business and he will continue to provide for Koltyn and our family. Our next step is feeding tube placement and recovery from this surgery then onward to children’s hospital for inpatient rehab. We will need your continued prayers and support. Thank you all and may God bless each and everyone of you.

Kathy Jo Thompson

“On the plane to NIH hope they find what’s causing these headaches

— feeling pained.”  Pray for some relief from the headaches for Kathy Jo.

From Tristan Grice

I will be speaking at several churches within the next few weeks about my teaching mission in Honduras and I would LOVE to see you there:

1/11-Kentwood First Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m.

1/17-Sunny Hill Baptist Church at 5:00 p.m.

1/18-Spring Creek Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m.

1/21-First Baptist Church of McComb at 6:00 p.m.

1/25-Seekers Point in Hammond at 10:30 a.m.

From Rev. Franklin Graham

On January 7, 1789, our country held its first nationwide election and George Washington was voted in as U.S. president. A lot sure has changed since then, hasn’t it? Remember to pray for America and for our leaders. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:2).

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

Tuesday

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8~

 Jadon’s Journey

3 years ago today we made a very difficult decision to hand Jadon over to the surgeons for the 1st part of his brain surgery in hopes to save his life. It was a horrible day with lots of horrific seizures and pain. Oh but today is a great day filled with lots of smiles and ZERO seizures. Thank you God for carrying us through this journey:)

His mother, Monica, will be speaking Sunday morning at Hillsdale Baptist Church.  You are invited to attend.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “Mistakes Made Beautiful” – http://odb.org/2015/01/06/mistakes-made-beautiful/
  • [Jesus] touched his ear and healed him.                                                                                                                  ~Luke 22:51~                                                                Though your sins are like scarlet,                                                                         they shall be white as snow.                                                                                                                                       ~Isaiah 1:18~                              
  • “Jesus Paid it All” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/p/jpaidall.htm

Operation Christmas Child – One class reported yesterday that they have already purchased 25 hat for OCC.  Let’s all work hard all year to pack the “shoeboxes”.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 

Daily Bible Reading – Joshua 1-5

Have a wonderful day.  Be sure to share Jesus’ love in some way today and to record your thankfulness.

Anna Lee

Monday

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

~Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)~

https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/19

Many of you have followed Jadon’s Journey.  His mother, Monica, will share at Hillsdale Baptist Church Sunday at 11:00.  You are invited to attend.

Baby Kai Relan was able to leave the hospital for the first time yesterday.  Pray he continues to improve at home with family.  Pray they will not be so anxious about his delicate condition that they will not enjoy having him at home.

Pray for Mrs. Hazel Smith as she has outpatient surgery this morning in Hammond.  Pray for her family as they entrust their mother/grandmother to medical staff.

Audrey Ballard Schexnayder
Born: February 11, 1927
Died: January 03, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2890913&fh_id=10545

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

Operation Christmas Child

I know some people/classes got bags yesterday so they can fill them this month.  If you are like me and didn’t get one/some, the OCC boxes of bags will be on a table across from the kitchen of FBC, K.  If you did, your filled bag can be returned any time this month and placed in one of the containers under the same table.

Camp Living Waters

  • CLW requested kitchen items so they can set up individual kitchens at the camp
  • At least two people brought in items yesterday.
  • If you want to help them (and clean out at the same time), bring your donations to the stairwell by the office entrance.  Thanks!
  • We will have to do this in the few weeks in order to get them to CLW in a timely manner.

January Bible Study – Deuterononmy

Last night, I learned of two  churches teaching the January Bible Study.  If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact these churches or another one that may be teaching it.

  • Mt. Vernon – Began last night and will continue on Wednesdays and Sundays
  • New Zion – Begins Sunday and continues through Wednesday (Taught by Dr. Nathan Luce)

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Daily Bible Reading for today – Genesis 1-3 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1-3

How is your blessings/thankfulness jar doing?  I am finding many things to include.  It is not too late to begin one….

“Surely Goodness and Mercy”

I hope your recognize that “goodness and mercy” all around you 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

Saturday

“What is my strength, that I should wait?

And what is my end, that I should endure?”

~Job 6:11 NASB~

 

Not that I have already obtained this

or am already perfect,

but I press on to make it my own,

because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  

~Philippians 3:12 ESV~

 

Macy Gueldner 

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/54a71dafcb16b42a122dde91

Martha Traylor Update – She has two infections and dehydration.  Doctors are working to clear up all these problems.  Please keep praying.

Koltyn Gafford

  • We have now set up a account at Florida Parishes Bank For Koltyn !!! The account is in the name of Koltyn Gafford !! I am asking Koltyn’ s Prayer Warriors to go buy the Amite, Hammond, or Ponchatoula branch , and make a donation to help Koltyn !!! This little boy is fighting so hard, lets continue to help him !! Thanks Friends, and Koltyn Prayer Warriors, I LOVE U ALL FOR HELPING            KOLTYN !!
  • T-shirts are also available – Got to “Prayers for Koltyn” on Facebook if you wish to place an order.
  • I’ll post today’s update when the family writes one for today.  In the meantime, please check “Prayers for Koltyn” on Facebook.  I’ll post for those who don’t do Facebook.

Dorothy Anne McDaniel Rader

Born: January 16, 1933
Died: December 31, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2889463

Frozen Food – If you have some frozen means, fresh frozen fruit or vegetables, or even something fresh like greens from your garden and are willing to share, please bring them to my classroom in the morning.  Bless someone with your abundance.

Hatchels – The Hatchels are safely back in Virginia after driving Thursday and Friday.  Thank you for your kind words to them and about them as well as the love offering which is now in the mail to them.  You are such an encouragement to them and to us!

Operation Christmas Child 2015 – Look for the poster and table in the hallway by the kitchen.

  1. Take a bag.
  2. Fill it as written.
  3. Return the bag to the containers by the table during this month.
  4. Plan to get a new bag to fill each month for ten months.
  5. Plan to help pack the shoeboxes so they can be shipped to children around the world.

Friday Morning Bible Study 

  • We will resume this on January 9th at 10:00 with Huldah.  (You probably don’t know much about her which is a good reason to join us.  She teaches us a good lesson in integrity.)
  • Read 2 Kings 22:14-20 and 2 Chronicles 34:22-33.
  • Get a study guide from me at church in the morning or any time next week.

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

Devotional, Scripture, Quote, and Songs

  • “I am Redeemed” – http://odb.org/2015/01/03/i-am-redeemed/
  • Sing to the Lord, bless His name;                                                                   proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.                                                                                                                   ~Psalm 96:2~                         Those He redeemed from the hand of the foe,                                                 those He gathered from the lands,                                                               from east and west, from north and south.”                                                                                                                ~Psalm 107:2~
  • “The good news of the gospel is too good to keep to ourselves.”                                                                                                       ~Our Daily Bread~
  • “People Need the Lord” – http://artists.letssingit.com/steve-green-lyrics-people-need-the-lord-drn6jtr#axzz3NktETSbL                                                                                                         “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/r/e/redeemed.htm

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

Read the Bible in One Year –  Matthew 8-10

It’s never too late to begin.

Are you redeemed?  If not, read today’s Scriptures and talk with someone who can guide you in the right direction.  Redemption gets you a first-class ticket to heaven.  It doesn’t cost you a dime.  The ride is better and the destination is guaranteed!

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