Category: Missions

Wednesday

“For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him

will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16, HCSB~

 

Connor Corkern

Conner has been doing better, but yesterday the “seizure monster” returned with Connor having ten big seizures.  Please pray the doctors can get them under control and quickly.

Drew Williams

Drew will be having jaw surgery this morning in Jackson, MS.  His family returned yesterday and will be in that area until early May.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Not All Empty”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “The Miracle of Love”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-miracle-of-love-true-story/

Hymn of the Day – “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “One More Day”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12334&LanguageID=1709

“Hope Found after ALS Diagnosis” – Please take time to read this inspiring story”.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=41684

Baptist Press 

BPNews.net

Help someone understand that Jesus is the Only Reason for the Season!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

~2 Corinthians 9:15, HCSB~

 

Penny Dees McDowell

Penny’s surgery went well.  The doctor was very pleased with the results.  Penny should be much better soon.

National Guard

The 205th Engineering Battalion based in Hammond and Bogalusa will arrive HOME today!  Those who went are excited to be coming home.  Family members are elated to have their loved ones back at home and in time for Christmas.  Thank God for their safety while traveling and while in the Middle East.

Third Thursday

We will have our regular meeting this week.  Join us at the cabin at 6:30 for food, fellowship, and a devotional/music time.

Christmas Programs

Area churches have had numerous programs.  I managed to attend three in the last four days.  They were all very different in style, size of the choir (20-50), music (canned, praise band, orchestra), set differences, use of technology, with and without dinner, involvement of adults only vs. involvement of people of all ages, etc.   The unifying cord was the theme –  the birth and purpose of Jesus!

Baptist Press

 BPNews.net

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Love and Support”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “Angel Rescued Sick Girl – True Story”

http://academictips.org/blogs/angel-rescued-sick-girl-true-story/

Hymn of the Day – “We Three Kings”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/e/t/we3kings.htm

The program tonight had shepherds, wise men, etc.  As I looked at the nice costumes and gifts being delivered to the “young boy” version of Jesus, I thought of this song.  I have great memories of a number of men who were special to me playing the part of the wise men.  I also have seen teens play the part.  I marvel at their wisdom that led the wise men to worship a young child so many years ago.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

At the end of our tea Sunday, a young girl gave me a small handful of change and requested I put it in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  I told her she could take the money to her church and give it there, but she insisted I put it in the offering at Kentwood.  Sunday, when we have the missions march, I will give her envelope of change as well as my own offering.  I felt so blessed by the sweet heart of a child that is already at her young age so touched by the need for missions.

If you attend FBC, Kentwood, you may know how we are lighting up the words to “Joy to the World” as we collect money to help us reach our goal.  I’m happy to report to all you Kentwood people that enough money was given Sunday to light up six more notes of our song.  I’m looking forward to the next week and more progress toward our goal.

Thanks for taking time to check this site and to prayer.  You are so important.  I have a reminder for you: Jesus is the reason for the season (and your pardon from an eternity in hell).

Anna Lee

Monday

“A virgin will be with child and bear a son,

and she will call His name Immanuel.”

~Isaiah 7:14b, NASB~

Yesterday, was a church filled day from Sunday School to a wake last night.  I was too tired last night to start The Prayer Link or get up as early today as usual.

Thankfully, Susan Rimes is feeling much better and was able to be at church yesterday.

Pray for Penny Dees McDowell as she has surgery at noon today at Touro in New Orleans to make some repairs from the last surgery.  This surgery is hoped to be less difficult on on even allowing her to be recovered enough to enjoy Christmas with the family.

Pray for Donna Fay Miller as she sees her doctor again tomorrow.  Pray for a good report.

Pray for Bro. Mike of East Fork Baptist Church and others as they do chain saw work as part of Baptist disaster relief in Oklahoma.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Living Backward”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “Mommy”

http://academictips.org/blogs/mommy/

Hymn of the Day – “The First Noel”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/frstnoel.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Lottie used the smell of freshly baked cookies drifting out her kitchen window to draw in children who were forbidden to talk to the “foreign devil”.   Then. she became known as the “cookie lady”.

From the Web site for Woman’s Missionary Union (www.wmu.com):

As a way to earn the trust of the people and show her goodwill, Lottie Moon made tea cakes for the children in her village in China. Once the children ate the cookies, they would take Lottie to their homes where she would share the gospel with their mothers. The children began calling Lottie “the cookie lady” instead of “foreign devil.”

Plain Tea Cake (As made by Lottie Moon)
Three teacups of sugar
One teacup of butter
One teacup of sour milk
Four pints flour
Three eggs, well beaten
Half a teaspoon of soda
Flavor to taste, roll thin, bake in a quick oven.

Adapted recipe:
2 cups flour
½ cup butter
1 heaping cup of sugar
1 well-beaten egg
1 tablespoon cream

Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and mix well. Add the flour and cream. Dust a board with flour. Roll the dough very thin. Cut cookies with a round cookie cutter. Place on a buttered or nonstick cookie sheet. Bake at 475 degrees for about 5 minutes.

Have a wonderful day!  Jesus was born to die for our sins.  He chose to follow His Father’s plan and prepare a path to salvation for all of us.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive,

have a son,

and name him Immanuel.”

~Isaiah 7:14, HCSB~

 

Dr. Earl Council

Dr. Council is doing much better now.  He no longer has pain in his legs or his back.  “Miss” Nadine, speaking for the family, thanks you for praying.

East Fork Baptist Church (from Dana Hendry)

Join us at East Fork tomorrow morning (today) as all choirs take part in our Christmas Celebration! Bible Study will begin at 10:00 AM and the Morning Worship at 11:00.
Our Deacons/Wives annual Christmas meal will be at Mr. Whiskers following morning worship!
Plan now to be at East Fork tomorrow!

7th Annual Two Rivers Associational Lottie Moon Tea

2:00 P.M.  today!

FBC, Kentwood

FBC, Kentwood’s Christmas Program tomorrow at 6P.M.

I keep hearing reports of choir members who have been sick the past few days.  The old devil is working to hinder the Christmas program tonight, but I fully expect him to lose out and God to be glorified.

Third Thursday Meeting 

We will be meeting this week at the Alford cabin.

6:30 P.M. Thursday

We promise great food, fellowship, and a sweet devotional/worship time!

Renew some friendships; make some new friends who honor and serve the Lord.

Albert Joseph Ashmore
(June 24, 1945 – December 14, 2013)

A resident of Greensburg, LA, he died at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Baton Rouge General Medical Center on Bluebonnet. He was born June 24, 1945 in Plaquemine and was 68 years of age. He was a retired Major with the Louisiana Department of Correction. He is survived by his wife, Janie M. Ashmore; daughter, Laura R. Ashmore; grandson, Michael Joseph Cardy; 5 sisters, Lillie Bovard, Linda d’Monye’, Faye Dunlap, Jan LaBorde and Dale Rochel; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Albert F. Ashmore and Delta M. Richardson; 2 sisters, Virgie Ann Beach and Birdie Ashmore; brother, David Aucoin. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley and Rev. Leroy McElveen. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Tom McNabb, Jimmy Harrell, Jeff Dunlap, Ralph Cardy, Aubrey McMillan and Gary Halvin. Honorary pallbearers will be Albert Frazier, Lance LaBorde and Buddy Bovard. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

We sat behind him at NZBC Sunday night.  We never know!

Baptist Press

 BPNews.net

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Canceled Christmas”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Story – “Christmas Miracle – A Real Story”

http://academictips.org/blogs/christmas-miracle-real-story/

What did “Santa” do?  He prayed at Sarah’s side at the hospital.

Hymn of the Day – “What Child is This?”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/whatcist.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Lottie’s Life in Brief

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/aboutlottiemoon.asp?PageNavID=110

Without Christmas, there would be no Easter!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“But as it is written:

‘Eye has not seen,

nor ear heard,

nor have entered into the heart of man

the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'”

~1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV~

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “A New Force”

http://odb.org/

Mr. Harlon Toney said he doesn’t believe in singing songs about the birth of Jesus without including a song about the crucifixion/resurrection.

Wendell Rhodus posted on Facebook, “The cradle without the cross misses the true meaning of Christ’s birth”.

Moral Stories – Religious – “The Christian Drummer Boy”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-christian-drummer-boy/

Of all the stories of this nature that I have suggested you read, this is by far my favorite, especially for this time of year!

Hymn of the day – “All to Jesus, I Surrender” 

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/s/isurrend.htm

This is the hymn I think of as I ponder on that Jewish surgeon!

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/aboutlottiemoon.asp?PageNavID=110

Watch this brief video who was so inspirational in encouraging support for international missionaries.

Obituary – Johnny Fay Jenkins

http://mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2348772&fh_id=10545

“The cradle without the cross misses the true meaning of Christ’s birth.”

Anna Lee

Friday

“Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.”

~Isaiah 60:3, HCSB~

 

Choir Members

Pray for the choir members at FBC, Kentwood and other churches who have practiced and practiced for the Christmas programs they will be presenting.  It seems like all the practicing, the weather, and the devil all work against those who will be sharing with us again this year.

Ray Davis

We have a request from Ms. Fay Shoemaker to pray for Ray Davis of Texas who is having major surgery today.  Be sure to honor her request.

Ms. Martha Traylor

Ms. Martha is still hospitalized at Hood Memorial in room 4 with bronchitis and fluid around her heart.  The family would appreciate your prayers and your words of encouragement for her.

Linda Phillips

Linda has been released from North Oaks.  Thanks for praying for her.

Jerry Doughty

Jerry has also been released from North Oaks.  Thank for praying for him too.

Special Christmas Prayers

Pray for families celebrating the first Christmas without a loved one and for those who will not be celebrating with their families this year.  Pray for those who will be working while their families are gathering, for those traveling, for those who are not together because of other responsibilities.

Our Daily Bread – “Lasting Rewards “

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “The Real Pearl Necklace”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-real-pearl-necklace/

Hymn of the Day – “O Holy Night”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/h/oholynit.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “What are the Global Needs?”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/details.asp?StoryID=11939&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press – Wonderful stories as usual!

BPNews.net

Enjoy your Christmas activities, but be sure to focus on the reason for the holiday.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“She will give birth to a son,

and you are to name Him Jesus,

because He will save His people from their sins.”

~Mathew 1:21, HCSB~

 

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Costume or Uniform?”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – Religious Stories – Planting Potatoes

http://academictips.org/blogs/planting-potatoes/

Hymn of the Day – “Bringing in the Sheaves”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/r/bringing.htm

Lottie Moon Christ Offering – “What Happens When You Give”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/details.asp?StoryID=11748&LanguageID=1709

Rev. Dennis Walker invited us to attend church/supper at his church, Bethlehem Baptist, in Albany last night because of a special speaker they had to promote the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  The visiting missionaries are based in Prague, Czech Republic, where Jennie and her family live and serve.  What a joy and a blessing to hear Will and Rachel speak to the group and to us personally.  May God continue to bless their ministry and to give them comfort as they leave their oldest child to attend college at Southeastern.

Living Christmas Tree

Sunday – Tuesday at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Albany

If you have never experienced a living Christmas tree, I highly recommend this.  My Texas uncle, Charles Tolleson, did this with his choirs.  This has been done at FBC, Amite in the past.  Now, it is in Albany.  Be blessed and be put in the right mood for the holiday –  to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

“KING OF GLORY, KING OF LOVE”

FBC, Kentwood

Sunday, December 15th at 6:00 P.M.

Lottie Moon Christmas Tea

FBC, Kentwood

Sunday, December 15th R 2 P.M.

Rev. Franklin Graham said ten million shoe boxes were given through Operation Christmas Child this year.  Thank God for those who packed and prayed over each box and for the child who will receive each box in the coming days.

Rev. Billy Graham, 95, is still hospitalized.  He is weak.  The family would appreciate you prayers for him.

Have a wonderful day.  Remember, Jesus is the Only reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“The angel answered and said to him,

“. . . I have been sent to speak to you

and to bring you this good news.”

~Luke 1:19, NASB~

 

Mrs. Martha Traylor

Mrs. Martha Traylor was admitted to Hood Memorial yesterday morning.  She’s in room four.  Please, take time to pray for her.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Hope for Skeptics”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – Inspirational – Determining Your True Path

http://academictips.org/blogs/determining-your-true-path/

Hymn of the Day – “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “What Happens because You Give”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/details.asp?StoryID=11938&LanguageID=1709

Ladies and Girls

You are invited to the Lottie Moon Tea Sunday at FBC,Kentwood at 2 P.M.

JESUS is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

 

Tuesday

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,

and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”

~Isaiah 11:1, NKJV~

 

Pat Hoosier

Pray for Pat Hoosier and his family.  Thank God for the wonderful spirit they were able to keep during this journey.

Lavelle Case (Mother-in-law of Rev. Mike Foster)

The doctors at M.D. Anderson feel it will be best for the family to be close to the hospital at this time, so they will be there for Christmas.  Everyone is looking forward to January when she should be able to return home.

Henry Charles Fron

R.C. and Holly Fron are proud to announce the arrival of their first child, a son.   Henry Charles Fron was born yesterday and weighed in at 8 lb. 7 1/2 oz.  His proud grandparents include Kentwood/Osyka/Franklinton locals, Milton and Pam Kliesch.

Kimberly Doughty

Pray for Kimberly Doughty.  Her mother. Linda, is still hospitalized following surgery.  Her dad, Jerry, was taken to the ER last night and admitted.  As you pray for this caregiver, please pray for both of her parents.

Lloyd Pye

 Lloyd Pye, formerly of Roseland, passed away yesterday morning.  The family requests privacy as they prepare to release details of arrangements.  They also thank those who have prayed for him during his illness.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “A Giving Competition”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Two Castles Builders”

http://academictips.org/blogs/two-castle-builders/

Hymn of the Day – “What Child is This?

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/whatcist.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Why should I give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?”

Bottom of http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/abouttheoffering.asp?PageNavID=109

Jesus is the reason for the season!

I don’t mean Christmas trees, parties, and Santa.  I mean the real reason, a reason so much more important than all the other things.  Because He was born on earth, died, and rose again, we have His sacrifice for us that can lead to salvation with we have faith.

Anna Lee

Monday

“’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul,

and with all your mind.’

This is the great and foremost commandment.

The second is like it, ‘

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

~Matthew 6:37b-39, NASB~

 

Yvonne Birch

Yvonne is making good improvement in recovery from her back surgery.  Despite how far as she has come so far, she has a long recovery period ahead.

Gerald McMillan

Gerald McMillan has made a great recovery from his knee surgery.  Keep praying for him as he continues to heal.

Linda Phillips

Linda is now in a regular room at North Oaks.  Please pray for her continued improvement.

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher

“Miss” Betty Catherine fell at home this week.  She’s moving a little slower right now, but still moving.  Pray for her to have a good recovery.

Weather

So many people in our country have had awful weather conditions in the last week.  he weather for many people will be cold, wet, and dreary in the coming week.  Pray for relief from the cold for those who are without power or without proper heating in their homes.  Pray for people as they travel on roads that are less than safe.  Pray for those who sleep in parks, under bridges, or in automobiles because they do not have a home.  Pray for those who work to meet spiritual and physical needs of people in shelters.

Moral Stories – Motivational – “The Smell of Rain”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-smell-of-rain/

Hymn of the Day – “Away in a Manger”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/w/awaymang.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

Thank you Southern Baptists! You gave $149.3 million to the 2012 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. It surpassed the previous year’s offering of $146.8 million by more than $2.4 million and marked the third-highest amount given in the offering’s 124-year history. 

In 2013 Southern Baptists celebrate 125 years of annual giving to support international missionaries. More than 3.5 billion has been given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, whose namesake inspired the first collection of gifts in 1888 so the world might know Christ. Then, as now, every penny you give to Lottie Moon supports missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas.

JESUS is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee