Category: Missions

Saturday

But you, dear friends,

by building yourselves up in your most holy faith

and praying in the Holy Spirit,

~Jude 1:20~

 

 

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is better.  Phyllis is still staying with her.  Mr. Phillip is still at Greensburg and slowly improving.  Keep praying, please.

Bettye Fussell was set to come home yesterday.  I know home will look so good to her. Please continue to pray for her.

 

Joe Crowe of Bolivar passed away yesterday.  I’ll post arrangements when they are available.  Please pray for Susanne and other family members.

 

Read the Bible – Deut. 10-12 and Psm. 56

Waylon Bailey – waylonbailey.com

Thom S. Rainer – thomrainer.com

 

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God

with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

~ Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)~

“Take My Life and Let it Be”

 

Sunday Night – FBC, Kentwood – Concert by the Richards – 6 P.M.  (I’ve never heard or heard of this group, but I understand this couple sings wonderfully.) . You are invited to join us for the free concert.

Don’t forget to collect the used PAPERBACK Bibles for the jail ministry.  There is a box under the stairwell or bring your own box.  New PAPERBACK Bibles are also appreciated.

Monday, March 6th – Associational WMU Meeting at FBC, Greensburg at 10:00 to learn about the Annie Armstrong focus  for 2017 – Potluck lunch/Fellowship to follow.  Everyone is welcome whether you participate in WMU or not.  You can bring your PAPERBACK Bibles when your come.

 

Anna Lee

Friday

I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.

~2 Timothy 4:7~

 

Today, let’s pray for Adrian Phillips whose blood sugar level got too low.   Thankfully, he got some good help and is better.

Pray for Joe and Susanne Crowe.  Joe is having Hospice care in Baton Rouge.  They are from the Amite area.  Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Scarlett Splane was in a traffic accident and tore her foot/ankle area up.  She’s had extensive surgery at Ochsner on Jefferson Highway and will be “out of commission” for about six weeks.  Please pray for her and help her out in a very practical way if you can.

The flu continues to spread.  It’s a form that was not covered by the vaccine, so the injection will not protect you from it.  As always, using good judgment is wise.

 

Scripture Reading – Deut. 7-9 and Psm. 55

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

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.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek me

and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

~Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)~

“In His Time”

Announcements

  • Today’s Bible Study – John 20
  • Sunday – Last day for children to turn in forms for mission trip
  • I’m again collecting PAPERBACK Bibles, new or used, to be distributed to prisoners at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.  You can leave them at FBC, Kentwood.
  • Tuesday – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party – Meet at The Cafe at 11:00
  • Monday, March 6 – Associational WMU Focus on Annie Armstrong Offering

 

 

Reminder – If you have a request for me to put on The Prayer Link, you should contact me by phone, 985-229-4753, by email, annaleealford@gmail.com, or even Anna Lee Alford on Facebook.

Anna Lee

Monday

My name will be great among the nations,

from where the sun rises to where it sets.

In every place incense and pure offerings

will be brought to me,

because my name will be great among the nations,”

says the LORD Almighty.

~Malachi 1:11~

 

Bettye Fussell had some problems yesterday.  Pray for her and her family today.

 

Jimmy Schwartz

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 8 AM until religious services at 11 AM on Monday, February 20, 2017.

Bible Readings for the Week

Chapter 2 - God's Covenant with Abraham
Sunday
• Read Numbers 31-32
• Read Psalm 50
Monday
• Read Numbers 33-34
• Read Psalm 51
Tuesday
• Read Numbers 35-36
• Read Psalm 52 
Wednesday
• Watch Read Scripture: Deuteronomy
• Download the Poster (take notes!)
• Read Deuteronomy 1-3
• Read Psalm 53
Thursday
• Read Deuteronomy 4-6
• Read Psalm 54
Friday
• Read Deuteronomy 7-9
• Read Psalm 55
Saturday
• Watch Theme Video: The Law
• Read Deuteronomy 10-12
• Read Psalm 56
SUMMARY

In this week’s reading, we see the torch of Israel being passed from one generation to the next before they enter the Promised Land (remember the verdict God handed down to the rebellious generation in Num. 14). This is done, most symbolically, in the leadership of the Israelites being handed from Moses to Joshua. This new generation, with Joshua at the helm, tastes their first victories in battles with regional city-states on the east side of the Jordan River, an area called Moab.

However, Moses’ role is not yet done. You will also open the book of Deuteronomy this week, which is a collection of teachings by Moses that adapts the laws given at Mt. Sinai. He reshapes the covenant laws to address this new generation about to go into the Promised Land. His wise words provide inspiring promises to the Israelites if they keep the covenant laws, and he offers sobering warnings of what will happen if they do not.

Pay Special Attention: Deuteronomy 6:4-5, commonly called “the Shema,” became a prayer in Jewish tradition that was uttered twice a day. This practice continues on today, thousands of years later.
Baptist Press – bpnews.net
Children in Action – Those who will be going to the missions fair next month will need to get their t-shirt order and $10.00 turned in by Sunday.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.”                                ~ 1 Timothy 2:1, NKJV~

 

“Sweet Hour of Prayer”

 

I trust you will be calmed in spirit and drawn closer to God through the words, music, and video for “Sweet Hour of Prayer”.

Anna Lee

Thursday

If any of you lacks wisdom,

you should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you.

~James 1:5~

 

Koltyn Gafford is better and back at home.  Thanking God for his improvement.

Tammy Meadows had surgery yesterday in Hammond.  Please pray for a good recovery.

Majel Dean is fine.  It was Susie Sharkey who had to be taken back to the doctor.  Susie is home now and doing better.

James Allen has been hospitalized.  Pray for him and his caregivers.

Pray for Jill Brister’s brother, Darin Fontz, and his family.

Phillip Strickland is doing better with his treatment.  He was able to come pick up his daughter from missions class.  We had a few minutes to talk.  Please continue to pray for this family.

David went back to the local eye doctor yesterday.  Things have switched around.  Now, his eye pressure is good, but his vision is not as good as it was Friday.  The specialist also called to check on him and changed his medication again.  We are hanging in there with all the appointments.  God has carried us through these many months.  Pray for David and his doctors.

 

The Children in Action class collected money for making purchases for victims of the tornado in Hattiesburg.  Some adults helped by making purchases too.  Yesterday, David and I had the privilege of delivering a vehicle full of toys, toiletries, cleaning supplies, food, etc. to New Testament Baptist Church which is on the next street over from William Carey University which was closed due to all the repairs going on there.  The NTBP sustained serious damage, but the people were serving a hot meal to storm victims and preparing for today’s give-away.  They were so pleased with our delivery.  I showed them one of the totes that the CA children signed in class last week.  Their hearts were touched.

The area sustained significant damage to most buildings and was being patrolled by state police units to help save what the tornado did not take away from the people.  In talking to some church members, we learned there had been four deaths in that area.

I’m thankful for….

  • Children and church members who gave to help others.
  • Baptist churches working together to help a community.
  • New Testament church being on the giving side when they certainly deserved to also be receiving side of the disaster.
  • The death toll there was only four despite all the damage.
  • Our opportunity to be blessed by being there and praying with the people.

 

Our Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams are out and helping.  Pray that God will lead you to volunteer is you have been trained.  If you are not trained, find another way to help.  Pray for all the volunteers who are helping.

 

Read the Bible – Numbers 1-4, Psalm 40, and “Numbers” video

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Friday Morning Bible Study – John 18

Saturday – Valentine Banquet at 6 P.M.

 

“We Tested Our Tornado Plan” by Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/2017/02/08/we-tested-our-tornado-plan/

 

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters,

and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more,

and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.

~ 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)~

“My Faith Looks Up to Thee”

 

Enjoy the crispness of the air this morning as you thank God for another day.

Anna Lee

 

 

Wednesday

“You have heard that it was said,

‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I tell you, love your enemies

and pray for those who persecute you,

that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good,

and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

~ Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV)~

 

Pray for Majel Dean.  She had to return to the hospital following knee surgery because of fever.

Debbie M. Wilkinson has been diagnosed with a form of cancer that has spread to her liver.  She is returning home after being at M.D. Anderson.  Pray for her and for her family.

Michael Catalanotto had a serious stroke.  He’s still in North Oaks.  Please pray for him as he goes through extensive rehab.

Koltyn Gafford has a virus.  He is at the hospital getting some help because his situation makes the virus much more difficult to remedy.

Maddie, daughter of Jamie Lynn Spears, is reported to be alert and responsive.  Join the family in thanking God for this miracle.

The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary reports no tornado despite much damage in their area.  With all the tornadoes yesterday, God surely protected us.  It could have been much worse in SE Louisiana yesterday.  As items for tornado relief are delivered to Petal, MS today, we have a more local need to address.  LA Baptist Disaster Relief teams will be “on the ground” doing damage assessment and giving the service of chaplains in eastern New Orleans today.  Check back tomorrow to learn of new needs.  Thank God for protecting the people during the seven tornadoes.  No lives were lost.

 

Today’s Bible Reading – Leviticus 26-27 and Psalm 39

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Children on Mission, youth, and  adults will meet tonight at 6:00 at FBC,K.

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord,

not for human masters.

  ~Colossians 3:23~

“To the Work” (In light of the tornadoes and all those who need material and spiritual assistance)

 

Join me in thanking God for sparing so many lives and so much property yesterday.  Pray for those affected.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Tuesday

Consider the blameless, observe the upright;

a future awaits those who seek peace.

~Psalm 37:37~

 

Please continue to pray for Debbie R. Miller, her family, and her caregivers.

 

Contact has been made for the delivery of tornado relief items to Hattiesburg/Petal, Mississippi.  Due to the 90% thunderstorm probability, the trip will be delayed until tomorrow.  That gives you today to add to the items we will be delivering.  Thanks to adults who contributed and to the children’s mission program that purchased a tote full of toiletries.  

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Bible Reading – Lev. 24-25 and Psalm 38

Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

Children in Action – Wednesday evenings at 6 P.M.

Bible Study – John 18 – Friday at 10

Valentine Banquet – Saturday evening

 

“LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble;

You will strengthen their hearts.

You will listen carefully.”

~Psalm 10:17 HCSB~

“Hear Our Prayer, O Lord”

 

Be extra careful driving today.  Stay dry.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Come to me,

all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

~Matthew 11:28~

 

Tornado Relief – If you have toiletries, school supplies, toys, cleaning supplies to donate to the tornado victims in Petal, MS, please put them in the stairwell at the office entrance to FBC, Kentwood TODAY.  Pray for all the victims and those working daily to help them.

 

Bible Reading Plan – Lev. 21-23 and Psalm 37

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Waylon Bailey – waylonbailey.com

Thom S. Rainer – thomrainer.com

 

“Jesus said to him,

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.”

~John 14:6, ESV~

“The Way of the Cross Leads Home” – What an important message!

Valentine Banquet – Saturday

Thanking God for another day….

Anna Lee

Sunday

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

~Psalm 34:14~

 

David saw the retina specialist Friday afternoon.  David’s vision is very good, but the current issue is pressure in both eyes.  We’re thanking God for the vision improvement and praying the three medications he is using will get the pressure under control.  Thanks to all of you who have prayed for him and who ask about him when you see us.  We are very appreciative for the love you have shown us.

Susan Rimes continues to have back and arthritis issues. Pray she can get good mobility with minimum pain.

Please continue to pray for Debbie R. Miller and her family.

Please pray for Mike Catalaotto who has had a major stroke.  As you pray for him, please pray for his family.

Mrs. Margaret Callihan was at the church (wake) yesterday.  She is getting much stronger.  Her children are doing a good job of caring for her as her health continues to improve.

The service yesterday for Mrs. Kathryn Kuss was wonderful!  What a special, unique lady she was.  It was good to visit with all her family and hear some of them, the preachers, and Bernice Dickerson during the service.  “Miss” Kathryn was properly honored, but will be missed.

 

Bible Reading Plan (join the bibleproject.com)

Chapter 2 - God's Covenant with Abraham
Sunday
• Read Leviticus 19-20
• Read Psalm 36
Monday
• Read Leviticus 21-23
• Read Psalm 37
Tuesday
• Read Leviticus 24-25
• Read Psalm 38
Wednesday
• Watch Torah: Leviticus
• Read Leviticus 26-27
• Read Psalm 39
Chapter 2 - God's Covenant with Abraham
Thursday
• Watch Read Scripture: Numbers
• Download Poster (Mark it up as you read!)
• Read Numbers 1-4
• Read Psalm 40
Friday
• Watch Theme: Holiness
• Read Numbers 5-7 (skim)
• Read Psalm 41
Saturday
• Read Numbers 8-10
• Read Psalm 42
SUMMARY

You’ll likely find the second half of Leviticus less weird. You’ll read about all the different festivals Israel was to observe as a reminder of what God has done in their lives, as well as moral purity laws that are intended to set Israel and its priests apart from surrounding nations. Keep in mind, even though these laws aren’t as bloody as the sacrificial rituals, they are still exploring the same core ideas that you find in the first half of Leviticus. Chapters 1-16 lay out the rituals and symbols of God’s love and forgiveness for sin and defilement, while chapters 17-27 explore the new way of life the Israelites are to embrace (either turning away from sin, or avoiding it in the first place). These laws call Israel to a high degree of moral purity and social justice that were major steps forward in comparison to their Canaanite neighbors. As we jump into Numbers, we will begin with a great census as the Israelites mobilize for movement out from the shadow of Mt. Sinai.

Tornado Victims – If you have any items for the tornado victims, please get them to the stairwell at FBC, K tomorrow.

Suggestions – toiletries for the students in the dorm, toys for children, household items for kitchens and bathrooms.

For the word of the LORD is right and true;

he is faithful in all he does.

The LORD loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of his unfailing love.

~ Psalm 33:4-5 (NIV)~

“The Love of God”

 

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day.  Allow Him to be King today and every day.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

 But you, LORD, are a shield around me,

my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  

I call out to the LORD,

and he answers me from his holy mountain.  

I lie down and sleep;

I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.  

I will not fear

though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

~Psalm 3:2-6~

 

Susie Sharkey had her second shoulder surgery yesterday.  The doctor found a lot of damage.  She is not to use her arm for six weeks.  Pray for Susie as she tries to be “good” and patient.

Rusty Williams is improving!  His lungs are clearing of pneumonia.  Keep praying.

Mrs. Peggy Luce (Rev. David Luce’s wife) – Shared by daughter, Debbie

I’m a couple days late in updating everyone about my mother, Peggy Luce. She had another lumpectomy on Monday and 2 lymph nodes removed. She will meet with the surgeon in 2 weeks as well as get results from biopsy on lymph nodes. If that comes back clear, she will take preventative pill. If there is any cancer in the biopsy, she will take radiation. The news is much better than we thought at first, and she is feeling very well. We really appreciate all the prayers and kind thoughts from our friends and family. God has been so good to her and so faithful through this storm! We give all praise to Him! Please continue to keep her and my dad in your prayers!!!

Debbie Miller is now living in room 318 at St. Helena.  Pray for her as she makes this adjustment.  Pray for her family too!

Bible Reading – Lev. 11-13, Psalm 33, and video, “Holiness” (Jointhebibleproject.com)

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Friday Morning Bible Study – 10 A.M. in Fellowship Hall

Children in Action

The children packed a tote of new toys to go to the children in Petal, MS who lost their homes in the recent tornado.  One of the purposes of Children in Mission is to “Do”. They certainly are doing!  As we circled around the gifts to pray for the children, a first grader prayed over the gifts.  The prayer came from her heart.  It was beautiful!

It is not too late to bring your items for the tornado victims.  Items will be delivered next week.  Get your items in by Sunday.

“Our Best”

 

Give your best today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

What, then, shall we say in response to these things?

If God is for us, who can be against us?

~Romans 8:31~

 

 

Julieana Prescott

Thank you for the prayers. Due to her being congested the MRI was not done today. Will reschedule and will let you know .  Thank you again for prayers .

Williams Family Update

  • Jimmy – better
  • Rusty – better, but still hospitalized
  • Elaina – flu
  • Linda – flu!

 

 

Clodye E. McIntyre

February 23, 1921 – January 30, 2017

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4092964&fh_id=10545

 

 

Bible Readings – Lev. 8-10 and Psalm 32

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

“Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak and slow to become angry, 

because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent

and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

~James 1:19b-21 NIV~

“Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say”

 

I’m looking forward to seeing boys and girls for missions class tonight as well as ladies for Bible study Friday and Sunday!  How blessed I am!

Anna Lee