Category: Missions

Wednesday

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

~1 Chronicles 16:34~

 

 

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Mildred Birch as she continue physical therapy at Greensburg in hopes of getting home soon.

 

 

Mr. Jimmy Tolar has been moved to rehab in Hammond.  Keep him in your prayers.

 

 

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is now in rehab at Kentwood.  She’s one step closer to getting back home.  Keep praying for her.

 

 

Pray for David as he has a procedure in Covington this morning.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Hosea 1-2
  • Proverbs 18
  • Luke 21

 

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

 

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

Lifeway – https://www.lifeway.com/

 

 

 

Don’t forget to turn in your stamped Christmas cards Sunday morning or at the Tea at East Fork Sunday at 2 P.M.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Monday

After a long, hard weekend, we had a busy day scheduled for today.  I just couldn’t manage to get The Prayer Link done this morning.  I beg your forgiveness.

 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

~Isaiah 12:4~

 

 

Continue to pray for Mr. Jimmy Tolar who is still hospitalized in Baton Rouge.

 

 

Also, pray for Mrs. Betty Lou Guy who is at home in Spring Creek.

 

 

David had appointments for blood work and his procrit injection today.  Even though the blood level has dropped to 7.8, he was still able to get his injection today.   We’re scheduled to go back in one week.  In the meantime, David will be preparing tomorrow for the procedure the has scheduled for Wednesday.  Pray for David and me.

 

Dorothy Lorraine Diddon

July 10, 1951 – November 25, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. She was born July 10, 1951 in Shreveport, LA and was 67 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Bobby Diddon; children, Dan Barnett and wife Lanette, Lorrie Hunt and husband Mark, Carl Barnett and Bridget, Jeffrey Barnett and wife Sandy, Kristene Jarell, Daniel Diddon, Theresa Kilgore and Gary, Elizabeth O’Brian, Donna Adams and husband Darrell, and David Diddon; 27 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Robert Jones, Frances Anderson and husband Robert, Tom Jones and wife Debbie, Anita Rachal and husband James, and Richard Strange; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by parents, Earl and Dorothy Jones; and late husband, Sammy Barnett. Visitation at New Jerusalem United Pentecostal Church, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28,2018. Interment New Jerusalem Cemetery, Kentwood. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Read the Bible –  Reflect on God as the “Gardener” and catch up on any reading you have missed.

 

 

 

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party – Tomorrow at 11:00.

 

 

Bring your stamped Christmas cards to church Sunday or to the Tea at East Fork, Sunday at 2:00.

 

 

 

Praying for each other is always a win-win situation!
Anna Lee

 

 

 

Saturday

“In everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 ~1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV~

 

 

Many people will be traveling at the end of their Thanksgiving holidays.  Pray for safety and happy traveling with lots of new memories.  Personally, we have a son and his family driving home to Rome, GA. now and a granddaughter who will fly to Texas in the morning.  Everyone can add to this list the names of others who are traveling.

 

 

Today, I want to share four deaths with you so you can pray for the families.

  1. Mr. Elwood Courtney (98) of Holden

    passed away yesterday morning.  His arrangements are for Sunday night and Monday at Brandon Thompson Funeral Home in Hammond.  His obituary is not on their website yet.  Mr. Elwood was the father of David’s sister-in-law, Janie Alford.

  2. Wendell Travis Vernon

    September 12, 1941 – November 22, 2018

    Passed in peace Wendell Travis Vernon, age 77, went to be with the Lord on November 22, 2018. He was born on September 12, 1941 in Loranger, LA. The son of Albert and Ethel Vernon, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Loranger High School then proudly enlisted in the US Air Force shortly after, where he spent 7 years as an E5 Staff Sergeant. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Mae Robertson Vernon, on November 9, 1957 until she was called home on April 12, 1993. He was the loving father of their two daughters, his daughter, Wendy Holter, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Vernon; daughter, Cindy Wood and husband, Kimmy; granddaughters, Heather Blackwell-LaBure and April Usie; grandsons, David Holter and Travis Holter; and 5 great grandchildren. Wendell loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and teaching them how to keep a perfectly manicured yard! He is loved and will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. Graveside Services will be held at Loranger Community Cemetery, Loranger, LA at 11:00AM Saturday, November 24, 2018. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

  3. Freddie Charles Lebo

    June 06, 1943 – November 22, 2018

    A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at home. He was born June 16, 1943 in New Orleans, LA and was 75 years of age. He is survived by 4 children, Charlotte Lee and husband, Tony, Daron Lebo, Charles Lebo, Jr. and wife, Erica, Lacey Joiner and husband, Brandon; grandchildren, Kody Sticker and wife, Rebecca, Jordan Lee, Kristen Lebo, Devin Lebo, Alexi Crosby and husband, Jace, Taylor Troulliet, granddaughters that were special caretakers, Hallie Royals and Jasmine Joiner; great grandchildren, Cayden Dylan Lebo, Dominick Mitchell, Jacie, Kiley and Tobin Crosby, Bentley Humphry, and Charles Alan Provstgaard. Preceded in death by his parents, Fed and Mary McClendon Lebo. The family would like to thank St. Joseph’s Hospice, especially Lisa King for her wonderful care. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Hannah S. Schwartz

December 26, 1917 – November 23, 2018
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018 at her home. She was born December 26, 1917 in Englewood, NJ and was 100 years of age. She was a U.S. Navy nurse during World War II and was a retired public health nurse. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Kentwood. She is survived by 4 children, Charles E. Schwartz and wife, Kim, Kentwood, Richard A. Schwartz, Kentwood, Cathy Schwartz McGowan and husband, Billy, Covington and Hannah Irene Schwartz, Metairie;  grandchildren, Stacey Schwartz Smith and husband, Ed, Catherine Schwartz Doyle and husband, Jeff, Jana Schwartz Hughes and husband, Chris, Melissa Schwartz, Kelly Schwartz, and Kimberly Schwartz; great grandchildren, Christina Smith, Ray Smith, Trent Smith, Ella Doyle, Addison Doyle, Luke Hughes, George Hughes and Maggie Hughes. Preceded in death by parents, Edward Louis Smullen and Hannah McGlynn Smullen; husband, C.P. Schwartz; 2 sisters, Cecilia Smullen and Catherine Rauscher; and brother, Edward Dawson. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall, Amite, from 9:30AM until 11:30AM on Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at Noon on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018 conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Century Hospice or the charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Daniel 7-8
  • Psalm 134
  • Luke 18

 

 

Tuesday, the ladies of FBC, Kentwood will have their monthly birthday party at The Cafe at 11:00 A.M.  “Young” ladies, you are welcome to bring a friend or relative with you.

 

 

Mission Opportunities

  1. Stamped Christmas cards will be collected the first Sunday of December and delivered that week to prisoners in the Tangipahoa Parish jail.
  2. Gift cards are being collected for an Louisiana College student who received a partial scholarship from ladies of Two Rivers.  We want to send this before Christmas, so get those cards in soon.
  3. The Lottie Moon Tea will help the first Sunday at 2 P.M.  at East Fork Baptist Church.  Be sure this is on your calendar.
  4. The Children in Action will continue to meet on Wednesday nights at 6 P.M. and Youth on Mission on Sundays at 5 P.M. unless there are no church activities that night.

 

 

I trust you are still counting your blessings even though Thanksgiving has passed.  We always have many reasons to thank God.

Anna Lee

 

 

Tuesday

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

~Psalm 95:1-2 (NIV)~

 

 

 

I’ll start off this morning with news of a new baby.  Raymond and Brandy Cutrer are now the parents of Ramsi Shaye Cutrer who was born yesterday.  Ramsi weighed 8 lbs. 4 ox. and was 21 in. long.  Both mother and baby are doing well.

 

 

 

Pray for Ginger Simmons as she has surgery today to correct some back issues.

 

 

 

Macy Lee, the daughter to Tim and Beth Graham Lee, had emergency surgery yesterday to remove her appendix.  Pray for a good recovery time.

 

 

David got a call Saturday night about an infectious disease, Cat Scratch Fever, which does not work well with David’s present condition.  The doctor wanted David to check into the hospital Sunday and plan to stay for six weeks to receive a strong antibiotic..  David told him we would be at the clinic Monday for his weekly injection.  Yesterday, with the vehicle packed to stay for a long time,  we saw the hematologist who checked into the situation.  David was sent home after receiving his injection and giving more blood for testing.  We will be waiting for test results and praying for a better option than six weeks of hospitalization.  Join us in praying for the lab results and good decisions.  On a very position note, David’s blood level and weight are holding strong.  We returned home with more reasons to be thankful!

David will have a procedure on the 28th in Covington to again look for a place where there might be a blood leakage.  Please add that date and procedure to your prayers.  The next four procrit injections are also scheduled.  We are thankful to all the medical people who are working to improve David’s health.

 

 

 

Read the Bible 

  • Ezekiel 46-48
  • Psalm 132
  • Luke 14

 

 

I received this report on the Operation Christmas Child Collection at FBC, Kentwood.  A total of 1409 shoeboxes were packed in 86 cartons and send on their way to Dallas and eventually to boys and girls in other countries.  I’m not sure how many churches and other groups participated, but I will share that information when I have it.  Thanks again to those who “stepped-up” when David and I became unavailable to do this special task.  You made it a success!  To God be the glory!  Statistic show that each shoebox impacts seven people.  That’s almost 10,000 people!  Yeah to everyone who packed a shoebox and helped in any way.

 

 

Be sure to name some of the many blessings in your life this Thanksgiving season.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Saturday

“Finally, brothers and sisters,

whatever is true,

whatever is noble,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable—

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

think about such things.” 

~Philippians 4:8 NIV~

 

 

 

The Operation Christmas Child “Shoebox” collection hours are from 10 A.M. to noon today at FBC, Kentwood.

 

 

Read the Bible 

  • Ezekiel 39-41
  • Proverbs 13
  • Luke 11

 

 

The Annual Joint Methodist – Baptist Thanksgiving Service will be Sunday evening at FBC, Kentwood.  Be sure to stay for some delicious food and fellowship time.

 

 

 

Christmas projects/events you have an opportunity to support

  • Stamped Christmas cards for prisoners at the parish jail.  Bring to FBC by the first Sunday of December.
  • Annual Christmas Tea – 2 P.M. on first Sunday of December at East Fork Baptist Church
  • Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
  • You have until early Monday morning to turn in your “Shoeboxes” at FBC, Kentwood.
  • Gift cards for a Louisiana College student – a boy who is a twin and lives in the central part of LA (The other twin is also a student at LC in Pineville.  Someone else is packing his package.)

 

 

Louisiana Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

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

 

 

Have a blessed day sharing God’s love with others.

Anna Lee

 

Wednesday

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

~ Peter 3:18 (NIV)~

 

 

Josiah Huckaby is home and doing well.  Thank-you for your prayers for Job, K,K., and Josiah.

 

 

 

Sylvester Humphrey Update:

Please continue to keep the Humphrey’s in your prayers. Here is an update on Mr. Sylvester from Mrs Shirley:

“The good news is the suspicious area in the hypo pharynx that was biopsied is negative for cancer cells. Sylvester will need an esophagectomy. The cancerous tumor causing the esophageal stricture is close to the larynx (voice box). Dr Pou said his larynx will probably have to be removed because she probably won’t be able to get enough margin removing all cancer cells. She consulted Dr McWhorter and he said the larynx would probably have to be removed which means a permanent hole in his throat. She is meeting with the Oschner & Mary Byrd Perkins tumor board this Thursday to discuss all options; surgery, radiation, chemo etc. Dr Pou said she would also have his case reviewed with Our Lady of the Lake tumor board as a second opinion if we wanted her to and we agreed. Dr Pou is to call us Thursday with all options. Please pray for discernment for the tumor boards and for Sylvester in making his decision about which option/options to make. We love all of you and need your prayers.”

(Many of you know Sylvester from his many years of working at the Amite Post Office or his retirement dream, The Hope Center.)

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Ezekiel 30-32
  • Proverbs 12
  •  Luke 9

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child

  • FBC, Kentwood collection hours today – 4-6 P.M.
  • Thanks to our church friends who stepped up to work this week for David and me.

 

 

 

As you dress warmly today, think of someone who might need warmer clothing.  Can you meet their need?

Anna Lee

 

Monday

“News about Jesus spread even more.

Many people came to hear him and to be healed . . . but Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray.” 

~Luke 5:15-16 NCV~

 

 

 

Newborn Jules Tanksley has had heart surgery is is doing well under the watchful care of the staff at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans.  Please continue to pray for the parents as they fight for good health for their baby.

 

 

Mrs. Theople Hurst will be having a pacemaker implanted Wednesday at St. Tammany in Covington.  Please pray for her.

 

 

Renee’ Terrell will be having a procedure on her back in Brandon, MS on Tuesday, November 27th.  Add her to your list of people to pray for.

 

 

Buddy Morris had a sudden new problem this week.  Pray for him and his family.

 

 

David is home from Ochsner where he spent the last week.  Because of a blood disorder, he blood was drawn numerous times a day.  The first thing David said this morning was that it was nice not to sleep without being disturbed.  While in Ochsner, numerous tests were done.  The final diagnosis is that the new problems are related to his MDS.  Today, he will have an injection, his fourth, of procrit at Ochsner on O’Neal.

 

 

Ann Hyde Ballard

February 11, 1933 – July 17, 2018

A resident of Roseland passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born February 11, 1933 in Chesbrough and was 85 years of age. Ann was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all she knew. She began her career as a nurse and later went on to own and manage numerous family businesses. She is survived by her daughter, Renee Ballard Durio and husband, Russell; 2 sons, Jimmy Ballard and wife, Aimee, and Freddie Carl Ballard and wife, Pearl; 12 grandchildren, Rachel Ballard, Robert Ballard, Leslie Cuti, Trenton Ballard, Jennifer Davenport, Keri Thornton, Bryan Saint, James Ballard, Josh Ballard, Logan Ballard, Baylor Blanchard, and Emilee Edwards; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Bill Hyde and wife, Mary; sister-in-law, Sally Higgins. Preceded in death by husband, Freddie Ballard; parents, Charles and Ethel Hyde; 2 sisters, Rita Lea and Elizabeth Stevens; 2 brothers, Charles and Johnny Hyde. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola from 9 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Bob Simpson. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • 10th
    • Ezekiel 23-26
    • Proverbs 11
    • Luke 7
  • 11th – Reflect on God as “Maker”

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child Collection Week

Today is the first of eight days set aside to turn in the many “shoeboxes” that we have been lovingly packing during the past months.  You can check Samaritan’s Purse website for the location of a drop off site near you.  FBC, Kentwood will again serve as a collection site.  I am so thankful to say some friends at FBC, Kentwood will take over that responsibility so David and I can focus on his health this year.  Remember that each box not only has gifts, but also an opportunity to learn about Jesus.  It is estimated that each box will impact an average of seven people.  What an impact each box has.  What an opportunity for us “tell” children about Jesus!

 

 

 

It has been good to know The Prayer Link was missed on the days I didn’t get it published.  I only do the publishing from home.  It’s good to be back at home and doing one of may favorite things.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Saturday

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 

 

 

 

Danny Farris is improving from his fall from a deer stand.  He is in rehab and now well enough to have brief visits from friends.  Please continue to pray for Danny and Joanne.

 

 

Mrs. Mildred Birth fell and broke a hip.  She has had surgery.  She is now in rehab at Greensburg where she has three one-hour  sessions of rehab each day.  Her spirits are good, as always.  Don’t think a broken hip and 88 years of age will slow this spunky lady down for too long!

 

 

David is and has been in Ochsner on O’Neal in Baton Rouge since Monday.  He received four units of blood and has been carefully monitored.  He has undergone a number of tests in addition to all the the blood work to help identify the cause of his anemia and weight loss.  So far, that still has not been identified.  Testing will continue this morning with part two of a nuclear scan checking for infection somewhere in his body.

The last few days of Bible readings have covered:
  • Ezekiel 4-22
  • Psalm 122-127
  • Proverbs 9-10
  • Luke 2-6

 

 

Don’t forget the OCC shoeboxes.  They can be turned in Monday, November 12 through Monday, November 19.  FBC, Kentwood is a collection site and will be open two hours each day.  Refer to a previous post of The Prayer Link or check the collection sites listed on Samaritan’s Purse.

 

 

Thanks for the many prayers for David.  Please continue to pray.  He is just a medical mystery some times!

Anna Lee

Sunday

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

~Romans 15:13~

 

Read the Bible

  • Ezekiel 1-3
  • Proverbs 8
  • Luke 1

 

 

World Day of Prayer

  • Kedron Baptist Church
  • Monday at 10 A.M.
  • Program will be lead by FBC, Amite since Cora Morris is not fully recovered yet.
  • Covered dish lunch after the meeting.

 

 

Coming soon – Collection week for “shoeboxes”

  • November 12-19
  • FBC, Kentwood will be a collection site
  • Check the Samaritan’s Purse website for locations and times.  Each site sets their own time, so just because one is open at a certain time doesn’t mean another site will be open.
  • Sign up at the church is you are available to help with the collection process.
  • Contact me if you would like to help prepare the last of our “shoeboxes” for shipping.

 

 

Today, I ask for prayer for David.  He is not feeling his best.  Tomorrow, he gets injection #3.

 

 

When I got up, the clock said 3:00, early but acceptable.  Then, I realized the clock had not been changed!  I think I’m going back to bed.  Let this serve as a reminder….

Anna Lee

Saturday

“For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk;

it is living by God’s power.” 

~1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT~

 

 

Mr. Jimmy Tolar has a new pacemaker.  Please continue to pray for Mr. Jimmy and his family.

 

 

 

Danny Farris, husband of Joanne, fell 25 feet from a deer stand and sustained a number of broken bones.  Please pray for Danny and for his family as they comfort him.  Danny is in ICU at North Oaks.

 

 

 

Patrick John Lambeth

March 07, 1951 – November 01, 2018

A resident of Maryville, TN, passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at his home in Maryville. He was born March 7, 1951 in Franklin, LA and was 67 years of age. He is survived by Wife, Mariaa A. Cipriano Lambeth, Maryville, TN; 3 Daughters, Laura Lambeth, Baton Rouge, LA, Kathryn DiLosa and Dennis, New Orleans, LA and Evelyn Lambeth and Miranda, Lafayette, LA; 2 Sons, Jeff Lambeth and Tamatha, Signal Mountain, TN, and Kyle Lambeth and Ashlee, Gonzales, LA;1 Sister, Jessie Hilbun, Kentwood, LA; 2 Brothers, Richard Doty and Johnette, Kentwood, LA, and Thomas Doty, Kentwood, LA; 4 grandchildren. Preceded in Death by father, Warren C. Doty, Sr., mother, Catherine C. Doty, brother, Warren Charles Doty, Jr. and sister-n-law, Betty B. Doty. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00 AM until religious services at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 10, 2018. Services conducted by Stephen “Steve” Hicks. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

It’s time for the time change.  This time, we “Fall Back”, getting an extra hour.  If you don’t change your clocks, you may wind up at Sunday School an hour early.

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Jeremiah 51-52
  • Psalm 120-121
  • Revelation 22

 

 

Collection Week

At church, there is a sign up sheet for working the collection week for Operation Christmas Child.  Please help out as you always have.  Thanks!

  • Monday, November 12 – 10 A.M. to Noon
  • Tuesday, November 13 – 2-4 P.M.
  • Wednesday, November 14 – 4-6 P.M.
  • Thursday, November 15 – 10 A.M. – Noon
  • Friday, November 16 – 4-6 P.M.
  • Saturday, November 17 – 10 A.M. – Noon
  • Sunday, November 18 – 4-6 P.M.
  • Monday, November 19 – 8-10 A.M.

 

 

Have a wonderful day preparing for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee